System for establishment of reprocessing enterprise in the Federal Republic of Germany

The present situation of nuclear energy in Germany is characterized by the increasing importance of nuclear power stations for energy supply, the closing of nuclear fuel cycle by reprocessing and recycling fissile materials, and two geological projects with respect to the final disposal of radioactive wastes. In 1984, 19 nuclear power stations produced 23 % of the electricity consumption in Germany, and the commercial power stations attained the average availability of 85 %. The interim storage for used fuel at Gorleben is ready to accept up to 1500 tons, and another interim storage of the same capacity is under construction. According to the German nuclear regulatory system, utilities are responsible for waste management including spent fuel reprocessing, and created in 1977 the main agent for establishing a system of nuclear Entsorgung. This agent, DWK, decided to build a plant for reprocessing used fuel elements by 350 tons per year. This plant is based on the proven reprocessing technology of the WAK plant. This WA-350 project is discussed. (Kako, I.)