The polluter pays principle applies to the disposal of radioactive waste, in other words, the producers of radioactive waste are obliged to bear the costs of disposal. Nuclear power plant operators are responsible for waste from nuclear energy, while the federal government is responsible for waste from medicine, industry and research. The disposal costs incurred during the operating phase of the nuclear power plants are paid on an ongoing basis by the operators. After the final decommissioning of the nuclear power plants, the financing of decommissioning and waste disposal is ensured by the decommissioning and waste disposal funds. The funds are built up by annual contributions from the waste producers. The amount of the annual contributions of the waste producers to the funds is based on the results of the cost studies for decommissioning and disposal costs. The cost study is updated every five years.
Last modification 07.11.2024
