How safe was the disused Grafenrheinfeld nuclear power plant really?

How safe was the disused Grafenrheinfeld nuclear power plant really?

The Grafenrheinfeld nuclear power plant (KKG) has not been making electricity production for over nine years, but the debate for its security remains explosive. In the 33 years of his operating time, the facility was closely observed by opponents of nuclear power from the region. A total of 242 reportable events were registered, which are considered incidents in public perception. These events raise the question: How safe was the KKG really?

A central aspect of the security assessment is the official surveillance carried out by the Ministry of the Environment in Bavaria. The operator of the KKG are obliged to report incidents that then flow into statistics of the Federal Office for the Security of Nuclear Disposal (BASE).

The categories of interference messages

The "reportable events" are classified in Germany in Germany in three categories: normal registration (within five days), urgent registration (within 24 hours) and instant registration (immediately). This division was introduced in 1986 and replaces previous classifications. Internationally follows an assessment according to the Ines scale, which ranges from level 0 (low effects) to level 7 (catastrophic accident).

An example illustrates the differences in the evaluation: in 2000 rust spots were discovered on safety valves. Although all valves were replaced and experts thought that they would have been functional, the classification was higher internationally (level 1), while according to German law it only required a normal message.

Frequency of incidents

A total of a maximum of three incidents of the KKG reach level 2. However, most of the reports affect the lowest level and occurred at the beginning of the company. Overall, it can be said that the KKG is in midfield compared to other German systems: all West German nuclear power plants recorded between 110 and 530 occurrences in the same period.

The operators emphasize security standards

Nevertheless, the operator Eon emphasized several times during the operation that security is at the top. High security standards were confirmed in regular exams, and investments in emergency pumps and emergency power units were also highlighted. Annual revisions also included extensive security tests.

A particularly critical incident that made headlines nationwide occurred in 2010 when a crack was discovered on a primary circle tube. Experts agreed that the company could be continued safely, which was classified as irresponsible by critics. The debate about the security of the KKG was further fueled.

active citizens' initiatives

In response to the security debate, citizens' initiatives have established their own measurement stations for gamma radiation in the vicinity of the KKG. One of these stations is only a few meters away on the site of a sewage treatment plant. Although the citizens' initiatives have never raised the alarm in the measurements, there were increased radiation values in 2006.

In addition, a study by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection brought increased cancer rates in children in the area of Bavarian nuclear power plants, including Grafenrheinfeld. However, the results of this investigation are controversial and were interpreted differently from different sides.

The discussion about the Grafenrheinfeld nuclear power plant is expected to continue, especially since the former production facility is officially no longer in operation, but remains a central topic for many citizens. For more information, interested parties can report the reporting on m.Mainpost.de pursue.