Nukem - a nuclear fuel cycle firm in a process of change

The so-called nuclear waste scandal has moved the Hanau nuclear industries of Nukem and Transnuklear into the focus of critical discussions about the safety of nuclear power. Misdemeanors detected and disclosed by the firms themselves, and unjustified accusations made in connection with these cases by various third parties, led to investigations by the state attorney's office, to the establishment of parliamentary committees of inquiry, and to profound structural changes in the Hanau nuclear companies: Transnuklear was dissolved; Nukem will give up its production of fuel elements. The consequences are grave. In the Federal Republic of Germany, no more fuel elements for research reactors will be fabricated in the future. The continuous supply of fuel for the THRT high temperature reactor is endangered because, at present, this fuel can be produced only by Nukem in association with its subsidiary, Hobeg. Jobs and know-how will be lost. In connection with these events, and in order to understand them properly, one must recall the development of Nukem and of the Hanau nuclear industries, which all emerged from Nukem. (orig.)