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German–Japanese expert dialogue on the disposal of high-level radioactive waste

Meeting in Berlin focused on interim storage, site selection and building public trust.

Representatives of a Japanese delegation and BGE TECHNOLOGY GmbH during an expert dialogue on interim storage and repository site selection at the BGE's Berlin liaison office

Finding a safe and permanent solution for high-level radioactive waste disposal is one of the major societal challenges of our time. Against this backdrop, an expert dialogue between a Japanese delegation and BGE TECHNOLOGY GmbH took place on Tuesday, 20 January, at the BGE's Berlin liaison office.

Representatives from the Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan, Kansai Electric Power Company and the Radioactive Waste Management Funding and Research Centre (RWMC) exchanged views with Thilo von Berlepsch and Toivo Wanne of BGE TECHNOLOGY GmbH on key issues related to the interim storage of nuclear waste and processes for selecting a site for a deep geological repository.

Despite different national energy policy frameworks, Germany and Japan face comparable challenges. One key topic was extended interim storage. As repository timelines shift, ensuring the long-term integrity of waste casks and interim storage facilities over periods exceeding 40 years becomes increasingly critical.

Another focus was Germany’s site selection process, which started with the so-called “White Map”. This refers to an open starting point in which all regions of Germany are initially considered in principle. Only afterwards are areas gradually narrowed down using transparent, science-based criteria. The approach illustrates how a clearly rules-based and traceable procedure can help build trust – an experience particularly relevant for Japan in the context of acceptance and voluntariness.

The dialogue also highlighted the importance of public trust. Technical safety alone is not sufficient; transparency, public participation and democratic legitimacy are essential to achieving societal acceptance and making sustainable progress.

The exchange demonstrated that international cooperation is crucial to addressing the nuclear legacy responsibly and to providing future generations with a clear and credible roadmap for radioactive waste management.