On 10 October 2024, BASE presented its participation concept "On the way to the Regional Conferences" (in German) to the public. The concept sets out how BASE intends to develop the framework for participation in the search for a safe repository site in Germany over the next three years - in addition to its statutory mandate to provide information and participation opportunities as laid down in the Site Selection Act. Specifically, the concept describes how BASE intends to use the current phase of the work of the Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal (BGE) until 2027 to prepare key opportunities for participation, such as the Regional Conferences, in order to provide a kind of "tailwind" for the further preparation of the procedure. This does not mean that the search process itself will be "accelerated" or that this will impact or even shorten the timeframe for the procedure described in the Act following the selection of the siting regions in 2027.

BASE has been tasked with organising participation

BASE is responsible for ensuring participation in the site selection procedure. It organises the events and meetings required by law, such as the Regional Conferences, the expert conference Council of the Regions, as well as the public comment procedures and discussion meetings. As the body responsible for public participation, BASE will take further action where additional support for the process is required and in line with in the current concept.

Background: By the end of 2027 at the latest, when, as announced, the BGE will present the proposal for the siting regions for further exploration, a few regions and the people in these regions will be at the centre of participation. The establishment of the Regional Conferences expert conference and the Council of the Regions represents the transition to a regional perspective in terms of participation. BASE is working to ensure that this transition is now used to prepare the ground so that the Conferences can be up and running quickly and independently. To this end, BASE has developed a participation strategy for Phase I of the site selection process, entitled 'Towards the Regional Conferences', and underpinned it with concrete proposals for action in a participation concept.

Offering additional support for the participation procedure

By providing a range of information and participation opportunities, the aim is to ensure that people are well prepared for the Regional Conferences, and that they have as smooth a start as possible.

With the publication of the participation concept, BASE aims to support the legally prescribed participation procedure in a complementary and precautionary manner - but this does not mean any changes to the procedural steps provided for in the Site Selection Act.

The search for a safe final repository for high- level radioactive waste in Germany is the focus of the „Forum Endlagersuche“ (in German). On 22 and 23 November, the public will have the opportunity to explore the issues surrounding the search for a repository either online or in person at the Würzburg venue.