Czech Republic starts test drilling for nuclear waste repository

In the search for a suitable location for a future nuclear waste repository, the first test drillings have begun in the Czech Republic. The investigations began at a site called "Janoch" near the municipality of Temelin, around 60 kilometers from the border with Bavaria. Drilling is to be carried out around 100 meters deep into the ground, which is expected to take around two weeks. This was announced by the final storage authority SURAO.

Look underground

The investigations are intended to provide information about the groundwater distribution and soil composition, among other things. SURAO Director Lukas Vondrovic spoke of an "important milestone": "For the first time, we are using boreholes to look directly underground and specify the findings we have gained from the surface," said the geologist.

Temelin is also home to one of the Czech Republic's two nuclear power plants. Three other sites are on the shortlist for the planned final repository: Brezovy potok in the foothills of the Šumava Mountains, Horka near the municipality of Budisov and Hradek in the Jihlava district. Drilling to a depth of 100 meters is also planned there.

Decision in a few years

A total of around four million euros a year will be distributed to the affected municipalities as compensation. The municipalities have taken the selection process to court - but so far in vain. The final decision on one of the sites is to be made in 2030. The planned repository is intended to store highly radioactive waste deep underground.

In contrast to Germany, the Czech Republic continues to rely on nuclear energy. Last year, nuclear power accounted for more than 40 percent of electricity production. The South Korean company KHNP was awarded the contract to build two new reactor units at the Dukovany site for the equivalent of more than 16 billion euros. Commissioning is planned from 2036.