State of the search for a final repository

The search for a final repository site for high-level radioactive waste in Germany is set to take a significant step forward in autumn 2026: the Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal (BGE) presented an update on its ongoing work on October 27th 2026. Proposals for potential site regions are then due to follow by the end of 2027.

On October 27th 2026, the BGE presented its current progress in the search for a site for high-level radioactive waste. This will clarify which areas will be investigated further and which will be ruled out. BASE is supporting the publication of the BGE’s progress reports with events providing information on the status of the search, the legal framework and opportunities for public participation, particularly at the regional conferences.

Three phases leading up to the decision:

Phase I of the search is currently underway. From the end of 2027, a small number of site regions are to be identified and investigated further in Phase II. As soon as the BGE proposes these, BASE will organise regional conferences in all regions to incorporate regional perspectives. The final decision is taken by the Bundestag by means of legislation at each stage.

How does the search for a final repository work in Germany?

Germany has thousands of tonnes of highly radioactive nuclear waste, for which a final repository must be built. The site offering the highest possible level of safety is identified in accordance with a defined procedure.

The site selection process comprises three phases in total. The process is currently in the first phase.

In this phase, the company commissioned to carry out the search – the Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal (BGE) – examines all areas of Germany to assess their suitability as final disposal sites. The areas are evaluated and compared on the basis of geological data. Unsuitable and less suitable areas are ruled out. The aim is to propose candidate regions by the end of 2027.

BASE will examine the proposal and submit its recommendation to the Federal Government. The Bundestag will then decide by law which areas are to be explored in more detail in Phase II. At the end of Phase III, the site offering the highest possible level of safety will remain.

Why does the search for a final repository need to be accelerated?

With the announcement of the BGE’s timetables at the end of 2022, it has become clear that the search process will be completed well after the 2031 target set out in the law. Both the BGE and the BASE have put forward proposals to optimise the process without compromising on safety or public participation.

If the decision on a final repository site is postponed too far into the future, time itself becomes a safety factor. The length of time involved has implications for interim storage, funding, public attention and issues of intergenerational justice. To counter this, the Federal Ministry for the Environment is currently drafting an amendment to the Site Selection Act.

Diagram illustrating the process of selecting a final repository — Procedure for identifying a final repository © BASE

The plan in three steps

The search for a final repository in Germany is divided into three phases. The safety of the final repository is the top priority.

Phase I: Existing geological data is analysed and predefined criteria are applied.

Infographic on phase one of the search for a final repository — Phase 1 of the search for a final repository © BASE

In the first phase, the BGE collects existing geological data from across Germany and evaluates it in accordance with criteria laid down by law. These include exclusion criteria such as earthquake risk, volcanic activity or damage to the subsoil caused by mining. There are also certain minimum requirements: for example, there must be at least 300 metres of rock between the final repository and the earth’s surface. The final repository must also be surrounded by a sufficiently thick layer of crystalline rock, rock salt or claystone. To assess the long-term safety of a potential final repository, the BGE carries out, amongst other things, representative preliminary safety investigations.

At the end of the first phase, the BGE submits a proposal to BASE for site regions to be explored above ground. BASE reviews the proposal and submits its recommendation on the matter to the Federal Government. The Bundestag then decides by law which areas are to be explored in greater detail.

Phase II: The explorations in the second phase will take place on site.

Infographic on phase two of the search for a final repository — Phase 2 of the search for a final repository © BASE

In the second phase, the BGE investigates the subsurface, for example through exploratory drilling and seismic surveys. This provides the BGE with a more accurate picture of the geology. Once again, less suitable areas are ruled out.

At the end of Phase II, it proposes sites for underground exploration. Here, too, BASE reviews the proposal, with the final decision resting with the legislator.

Phase III: In the third phase, at least two sites will be explored underground.

Infographic on phase three of the search for a final repository — Phase 3 of the search for a final repository © BASE

In the third phase, the BGE will carry out underground investigations at at least two sites. Based on a comparative assessment of these investigated sites, the BGE will put forward a site proposal.

BASE will evaluate the results of the investigations and the public consultation process and propose the final repository site offering the highest possible level of safety.

The Bundestag will ultimately decide on the site by means of legislation.

What is the current status of the search for a final repository?

The first milestone of Phase I has already been reached: on September 28th 2020, the BGE published the Interim Report on Sub-areas. As of 2020, this meant that, in principle, around half of Germany would have been eligible as a site for a final repository for high-level radioactive waste.

Since then, the BGE has been gradually assessing the areas identified in 2020 for their suitability as final repository sites. By the end of 2025, the area under consideration had already been reduced to around a quarter of Germany.

Is your region located within a sub-region?

Using the BGE’s Final Repository Search Navigator, you can check whether your region is located within a sub-area. You can also find out about the current status of the process for your region.

See the Final Repository Search Navigator

In autumn 2026, the BGE will present the progress of its ongoing work. It will clarify which areas it is continuing to assess and which it has already ruled out. However, this categorisation is not yet legally binding. The aim is to propose potential site regions to BASE for review by the end of 2027. These potential site regions are then to be investigated in detail as the process continues.

To identify the potential site regions, the BGE carries out, amongst other things, representative preliminary safety assessments. Through these assessments, the BGE evaluates the long-term safety of a potential final repository in the respective sub-region.

Which regions are being considered as potential final repository sites?

The maps show the BGE’s progress to date, starting with the publication of the interim report on sub-areas in 2020. Since then, the BGE has continuously narrowed down the list of areas potentially suitable as final repository sites.

Map of Germany — The map shows all the sub-areas identified by the BGE in 2020, i.e. areas where favourable geological conditions are expected to allow for safe final disposal. Each colour represents a type of host rock. All sub-areas, regardless of the host rock, will be subjected to a more detailed assessment in the next stage of the process. © Source: BGE/ Editing: BASE / Geobase data © GeoBasics-DE / BKG2020

Map of Germany in greyscale — The map shows the starting point for this assessment: all the sub-areas identified by the BGE in 2020 that met the minimum requirements. These cover 54 per cent of Germany’s land area and will subsequently be examined in greater detail on the basis of geological data. By 2027, the BGE will have narrowed down the eligible areas to a few site regions. These will then be explored above ground in Phase II. © Source: BGE/ Editing: BASE / Geobase data © GeoBasics-DE / BKG2020

How is the public involved in the search for a final repository?

Various information events are being held both before and after the publication of the BGE’s latest progress reports. These provide an overview of the current status of the search for a final repository, explain the legal framework and inform the public about opportunities for participation.

One way to get involved at this stage of the search for a final repository is via the Forum on the Search for a Final Repository. The focus is on the current status of the BGE’s work and other relevant issues concerning the site selection process.

Local people are consulted at regional conferences

As soon as the BGE’s proposal for the host regions is available, BASE will organise regional conferences in all proposed regions. These will enable the regional public to participate comprehensively and over the long term. Through these conferences, regional representatives can scrutinise the scientific assessment of their host region, highlight regional specificities and contribute perspectives on their region’s development. BASE provides organisational and financial support for their work.

The regional conferences do not decide on the site; that is the role of the elected representatives in the Bundestag, based on the expertise of the BGE and BASE. However, with their local knowledge, they can help improve decision-making and contribute to the development of compensatory measures for the region. The site selection process is underpinned by scientific expertise, a legally regulated procedure and clearly defined responsibilities.

Stand: 2026.10.23