Nuclear Fuel Containers Revealed: Initial Sighting in Chamber Twelfth - Nuclear debris exhibition begins: first barrels spotted in compartment 12
In the Lower Saxony district of Wolfenbüttel, Germany, the Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal (BGE) is making significant strides in the assessment and preparation for the retrieval of radioactive waste from the Asse Atomic Waste Repository.
Recently, BGE reported their first glimpse into Storage Chamber 12, which contains approximately 7,464 containers, including 6,747 drums and 717 "lost concrete shields." During the initial inspection, the company noted that at least the visible drums appear to be in good condition.
The exploration of Chamber 12 was conducted through a small borehole, but further analysis requires enlarging the hole to allow for more space to measure the chamber atmosphere and activity levels. This process is currently underway.
The Asse Atomic Waste Repository, which dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, is located at a depth of 750 meters following exploratory drilling. The storage of the drums and concrete shields took place in 13 chambers within the mine shaft.
The contaminated solution in the mine shaft led to the formation of a swamp in the access area, ultimately resulting in the discovery of the chamber. The placement of the Asse II mine shaft under nuclear law occurred in 2009, and the retrieval of waste from the mine has been legally regulated since then.
The retrieval of waste from the Asse mine shaft is planned to begin as early as 2033. The estimated costs to keep the mine open and prepare for retrieval up to 2033 are about EUR 4.7 billion (USD 5.5 billion), but the costs of actual retrieval, interim storage, and final disposal after 2033 are not yet accounted for.
Iris Graffunder, the CEO of BGE, is leading the efforts to shut down and clear the Asse Atomic Waste Repository. Based in Peine, BGE is responsible for this crucial task.
Asse II has been considered unstable for years, necessitating the retrieval of the waste. The long-term challenges ahead include significant costs and engineering complexities, but BGE is committed to addressing these challenges to ensure the safety and security of the environment and the public.
References: [1] BGE Press Release, "First Glimpse into Storage Chamber 12 at the Asse Atomic Waste Repository," August 2025, https://www.bge.de/en/press-and-media/press-releases/first-glimpse-into-storage-chamber-12-at-the-asse-atomic-waste-repository/.
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