Reactor decommissioning: Public submits 155 objections

View of the experimental hall of the BER II research reactor. (Archive image)

In the process of dismantling the BER II research reactor in Berlin-Wannsee, 155 objections were submitted within the deadline as part of the public participation process.

During the so-called interpretation phase, citizens from six federal states submitted objections on around 40 topics, according to the Senate Department for Urban Mobility, Transport, Climate Action and the Environment. An important stage in the process of decommissioning and dismantling the reactor has now been completed. 

BER II supplied neutrons for scientific research

The BER II research reactor was operated by the Helmholtz Center Berlin for Materials and Energy (HZB). The BER II exclusively supplied neutrons for scientific research; nuclear fission was not used to generate energy. Operations were discontinued in 2019. An approval process is currently underway for the decommissioning and dismantling of the reactor. From November 18, 2025, to January 28, interested parties were able to view the HZB's application documents and submit objections to the project.

Many objections from North Rhine-Westphalia

According to the information provided, more than 500 people viewed the documents during this period, mainly via an online portal. Around 200 of these visits came from the Berlin area. According to the Senate Administration, most of the objections were submitted from North Rhine-Westphalia, with around a third coming from Berlin and Brandenburg. In addition, two nature conservation associations and two other civil society organizations submitted comments.

Objections will be evaluated

All objections received in due time and form will now be evaluated by the nuclear regulatory authority. This will be followed by a discussion in which the objections can be explained in more detail. The authority will then prepare a summary and assessment of the environmental impact of the project. "It is not yet possible to estimate when the authority will make a final decision on the current application," said the Senate Environment Administration.