Atomic energy generating station - Argument ensues over waste disposal practices at Fessenheim plant.
Plans to build a recycling plant for radioactive scrap at the location of the Fessenheim nuclear power plant in Alsace have faced strong opposition from the Baden-Württemberg state government. The government has identified multiple reasons why it's against setting up this plant in Fessenheim, according to Environment Minister Thekla Walker (Greens). This statement was made during a public consultation on the projected dismantling of the nuclear facility in eastern France, as displayed in an online registry. The deadline for responding passed a month ago.
Fessenheim nuclear power plant, located southeast of Colmar and just a stone's throw from the German border, was shut down in 2020 after 42 years of operation. The aging plant was frequently criticized in Germany due to safety concerns.
EDF, a French energy giant, intends to start operating the recycling plant (Technocentre) on an unused plot in Fessenheim in 2031. The project has been met with disapproval from environmental advocates on both sides of the Rhine, who worry about the possibility of radioactivity in the recycled metals. In the past, the state government has stated that it "regrets" these plans, but Walker confirmed that the government will issue a separate statement if French approval for the recycling plant is pending. However, the ultimate decision will rest with France.
The decommissioning of Fessenheim is projected to start in 2026, but this still needs a decommissioning decree from the French government. This process will account for the opinions of citizens from both sides of the Rhine, as well as the input of relevant authorities, as mentioned by the ministry.
The dismantling of Fessenheim is unlikely to have a significant impact on Germany, based on the Stuttgart ministry's assessment. While major accidents or incidents with cross-border effects are not expected, they can't be ruled out completely. The state capital insists that radioactivity must be closely monitored.
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Source: www.stern.de
