Safety in nuclear technology
Following Germany's decision to phase out nuclear energy, safety in nuclear technology remains a top priority. What does this mean for nuclear facilities? Protecting people and the environment is essential, even when nuclear power plants are decommissioned, research reactors are operated, and nuclear fuels are handled.
The last German nuclear power plants were shut down in April 2023. There are now over 30 nuclear power plants in Germany that are in the decommissioning phase. In addition, research reactors and nuclear fuel processing and disposal facilities continue to operate in this country.
A high level of safety is essential both in the operation and decommissioning of nuclear facilities and in the handling of nuclear fuels. Government institutions have several tools at their disposal to ensure nuclear safety:
- Approval and supervision, which apply throughout the entire lifetime of a nuclear facility or during a specific phase.
- Relevant legal provisions and technical regulations, which can be found together with other legal texts in the Handbook of Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection.
- National bodies that support government institutions in licensing and supervision and also draft legislation.
- Precautionary and emergency measures in nuclear facilities that support the assurance of nuclear safety in the event of possible incidents.
- Clear designation of responsibilities for handling nuclear fuel.
