The D-2008 IRRS mission as seen from the perspective of the Baden-Wuerttemberg State Ministry for the Environment

In 2008, nuclear power oversight by the government was reviewed by the IAEA. Besides the Federal Ministry for the Environment, the states side was represented by the Baden-Wuerttemberg State Ministry for the Environment. A special challenge arose from the complexity of the federal structure of the German system. The international experts brilliantly managed to penetrate this complexity, as is borne out by the 132-page final report. German nuclear power oversight, in particular the practical oversight activities in Baden-Wuerttemberg, were attested compliance with demanding international standards. The not inconsiderable manpower expense of approx. 4 to 6 person years is offset, in the opinion of the Baden-Wuerttemberg Ministry for the Environment, by many valuable technical and scientific findings and proposals. The possibility to take a broader view, as well as the exchange with experts from abroad, are most valuable in helping the continuous improvement process and ensuring oversight at a high level. (orig.)