Energy policy in Germany

In 1995 nuclear power contributed the largest share (34%) of all energy sources (lignite 29%, hard coal 26%). The 19 power stations (Wurgassen and MulheimKarlich didn't operate) produced 154 TWh, which is a 2% increase compared to 1994. The energy consensus discussions (resumed in 1994 to achieve a basic agreement) were stopped without reaching a solution or a success. It is now endeavoured to reach a part consensus at least about the back-end of the fuel cycle. Finishing the dismantling campaign of the KKN reactor at Niederaichbach in 1995 was the first example of a 'restoration of the original state'. FZK acted as project coordinator for this work. Based on the decision by SIEMENS and German utilities not to operate the MOX facility plant at Hanau the first activities for the dismantling started already. Some R and D activities in the area of Fast Reactors remain. Some research projects connected with former fast reactor R and D and studies for separation/transmutation of Minor Actinides are performed in international cooperation. These are: status of HCDA code development; SIMMER III development and validation; status of SAS 4A development; qualification of the SAS 4A model development; transmutation of minor actinides; chemical separation; neutron physics; CAPRA core safety problems; irradiation experiments