Results and conclusions from the German P&T study – a view of the contributing Helmholtz research centres


Results and conclusions from the German P&T study – a view of the contributing Helmholtz research centres

Merk, B.; Geist, A.; Modolo, G.; Knebel, J.

The governmental decision for the 'Energiewende' has put some urgent questions on the future of the P&T research. The Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie and the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung have launched a study managed by acatech in 2012 to answer these questions on a broad scientific basis. The major mandate was to evaluate scientific and technological as well as socio-economic challenges and opportunities of the P&T technology in the view of the phase out decision. The main topics were:

  • Starting point and boundary conditions – waste amounts and final disposal strategies
  • Definition and description of scenarios – possible ways for transmutation in the view of the phase out, European vs. national
  • Technological challenges of P&T – description of the major challenges to be solved on the way to industrial application
  • Current status of R&D – discussion of possible transmutation systems, current R&D status of P&T, development gaps, and future research strategy
  • Safety aspects – special safety aspects including all steps of the P&T cycle
  • International projects & competences in Germany – what is going on around the world and what can be served by the German industry
The socio-scientific, the ecologic, and the economic aspects have been analyzed in parallel using expert interviews, group Delphi, and independent expert opinions on economic, legal, and environmental aspects.
An overview on the results of the study in the view of the contributing Helmholtz research centers (KIT, HZDR, and FZJ) is given. Special focus is put on the political recommendations and the developed research strategy which has been proposed to the ministries. Finally the conclusions of the Helmholtz-Centres regarding their current and future activities are given.

Keywords: nuclear; nuclear waste; nuclear reactors; nuclear waste management; partitioning; transmutation

  • Contribution to proceedings
    Annual Meeting on Nuclear Technology, 05.-07.05.2015, Berlin, Deutschland
  • Lecture (Conference)
    Annual Meeting on Nuclear Technology, 05.-07.05.2015, Berlin, Deutschland

Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-20952
Publ.-Id: 20952