Status of the selection procedure for a deep repository site of high-level radioactive waste in Germany

This essay provides an overview of the site selection process for the final disposal of high-level radioactive waste in the Federal Republic of Germany. This process represents a paradigm shift from the earlier attempt to designate a site. In the new selection process, only geological criteria regarding the safety of emplacement are to be decisive rather than individual political-economic interests of regions. The current state of research provides a good picture of the need for further knowledge. The article also addresses related issues that are currently being discussed, in particular in the context of narrowing down large subareas to local siting regions for more detailed surface exploration.