Overview

• Seven highly radioactive Castor containers from the UK were transported to the Niederaichbach interim storage facility under heavy police security, marking the second-to-last transport of its kind in Germany's nuclear phase-out process.
• The transport proceeded without incidents, with thousands of police officers deployed along the route to ensure safety and prevent disruptions.
• Protests against the transport were smaller and quieter compared to earlier years, reflecting the diminished prominence of the anti-nuclear movement since the 2023 nuclear phase-out.
• Environmental groups and political parties criticized the continued reliance on interim storage facilities, originally designed for short-term use, as permanent disposal solutions remain unresolved.
• Experts warn that interim facilities may need to operate for up to 100 years or more, raising concerns about safety risks, including potential terrorist threats, and emphasizing the urgency of finding a permanent repository.