From 2050, Switzerland wants to store its nuclear waste in rock near the border of Baden-Württemberg. Experts justify why the choice fell on this of three possible locations with the special geology on site: “Time practically stands still here.”
Switzerland has commented on the decision on the location of its future nuclear waste repository directly on the German border. The region has the best geological conditions, experts justified their decision. The other two locations examined are also on the German border. However, the Swiss city of Zurich is only about 20 kilometers away to the south.
The Nördlich Lägern region now selected, not far from Hohentengen in Baden-Württemberg, is clearly the safest choice among the three locations, said Matthias Braun, head of the National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste (NAGRA). The necessary rock layer of Opalinuston is there deepest under the earth’s surface, the layer is thickest and the possible area for the planned repository is largest, said Braun.
“It’s a clear decision. The geology has spoken.” When drilling in Nördlich Lägern, traces of water that were older than anywhere else were found in the layer of Opalinus Clay: the water is said to be 175 million years old. “Time practically stands still here,” said Braun. This shows how well the rock absorbs moisture. In addition, the rock binds radioactive material and can repair cracks itself. The Opalinus Clay in Nördlich Lägern is 100 meters thick.
The packaging system is to be built at the current interim storage facility in Würenlingen, because there are already buildings there that can be used, said Braun. The radioactive waste from nuclear power plants, industry and research is to be buried hundreds of meters deep in the repository. The construction of the warehouse still has to go through the approval process and is not expected to begin before 2031, with storage in 2050.
