State and Development of Nuclear Energy Utilization in the Federal Republic of Germany 2011

Abstract

This report describes the use of nuclear energy in the Federal Republic of Germany as of December, 2011. It contains the essential data of all nuclear power plants, research reactors with a continuous thermal power above 50 kWth and the facilities of nuclear fuel supply and waste management. According to law eight of the 17 nuclear power plants “in operation” lost the authorisation for power operation on 6 August 2011. At the time of reporting 31 December 2011, nine nuclear power plants were still in operation. The power generation from nuclear energy in 2011 amounted to 108.0 TWh (2010: 140.5 TWh). That is a share of 17.6% of the total gross electricity production (2010: 22.4%).1 The report summarises the essential operational results of the nuclear power plants and information on granted licences. A short description of the present state of the nuclear power plants that have been shut down or decommissioned and of the stopped projects is given. Concerning research reactors with a continuous thermal power above 50 kWth, essential data on type, characteristics (thermal power, thermal neutron flux) and purpose of the facility are represented. Furthermore, an overview of the licensing and operation history and the present state of the operating condition is given. For the plants of nuclear fuel supply and waste management data on purpose and capacity, the licensing history and the present state of operation and licensing are given. To give a survey, the data are summarised in tabular form in the report annexes. The report will be updated and published once a year. 1