25 Years of BGE TEC: Scientific Exchange and International Dialogue
Dr. Thilo von Berlepsch and Jörg Froböse welcoming guests at the BGE TEC anniversary symposium
Dr. Thilo von Berlepsch delivering the welcome address at the BGE TEC anniversary symposium
Iris Graffunder, Chair of the Management Board of BGE, delivering a congratulatory address at the BGE TEC anniversary symposium
BGE TECHNOLOGY GmbH (BGE TEC) celebrated its 25th anniversary with a scientific symposium attended by around 120 guests, including former managing directors and long-standing colleagues. The event focused on technical developments, international cooperation, and the broader framework for geological disposal.
In various contributions, speakers highlighted the evolution of BGE TEC as a technology- and research-oriented subsidiary of BGE. Iris Graffunder, Chair of the Management Board of BGE, emphasised the company’s strong international orientation and its role within the broader disposal community.
Dr. Thilo von Berlepsch, Managing Director of BGE TEC, explained that the company’s achievements are based on the expertise and commitment of its employees, combined with the consistent strategic support provided by BGE over the years.
International cooperation emerged as a central theme. Emiliano Stopelli, Coordinator for International Cooperation at Nagra, outlined Switzerland’s site selection process and the ongoing refinement of its repository concept, emphasising the importance of continued cross-border exchange.
Early research and development projects at BGE TEC were presented by Philipp Herold and Wolfgang Filbert. The topics ranged from the direct disposal of spent fuel elements to the engineering design of shaft hoisting systems for the underground transport of heavy waste containers. Early experimental work demonstrated the safe handling of 65-tonne containers and showed that sustainable technical solutions depend not only on economic efficiency but also on verified quality and reliability.
Juliane Leonhard and Tilman Fischer presented current projects, demonstrating how increased computational capacity has fundamentally transformed methodological approaches. Today, simulations of emplacement techniques are largely conducted in virtual environments, reflecting the digital advancement of engineering practice.
Professor Klaus-Jürgen Röhlig highlighted the importance of socio-technical research, emphasising that geological disposal is not solely a technical challenge but also one shaped by public perception and societal acceptance.
Stefan Mayer of the International Atomic Energy Agency addressed cost estimation methodologies for repository projects and acknowledged BGE TEC’s contribution to the development of international guidance in this field.
The symposium concluded with a lecture by astronomer and author Dr. Florian Freistetter on the “History of the Universe in 100 Stars”. Reflecting on our perspective of the cosmos, he noted that while the total number of stars is vast, as many as 9,096 can be observed with the naked eye under ideal conditions. The evening concluded with a buffet dinner in a relaxed atmosphere.
The anniversary symposium thus provided a forum for scientific exchange and international dialogue, underscoring BGE TEC’s continued commitment to research excellence and cooperation in the field of radioactive waste management.