Nuclear Plant Operator Files for Insolvency, Demolition Costs Spark Dispute
Hattingen, Germany – HKG (Hochtemperatur-Reaktor-Gesellschaft), the operator of the decommissioned THTR-300 nuclear power plant near Hattingen, has filed for provisional insolvency, triggering a scramble to secure the site and a dispute over who will fund its eventual dismantling. The move comes after unsuccessful negotiations with the federal and state governments regarding financial support.
The THTR-300, a unique high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, was briefly connected to the grid only months before its decommissioning. Since then, securing the site has already cost €441 million, with contributions from the federal government (€133 million), the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (€152 million), and HKG’s shareholders – Work Hattingen GmbH (WSW Wuppertaler Stadtwerke GmbH, RWE Power Aktiengesellschaft) and Stadtwerke Aachen Aktiengesellschaft (€156 million).
The central point of contention now is the cost of demolition. HKG shareholders maintain they are not responsible for these expenses, deferring to the federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. “Nothing was left to avoid bankruptcy registration by negotiating the framework contract parties,” stated HKG Managing Director Dannert. “However, since these talks have so far remained without result, it is now a matter for the authorities responsible for nuclear energy at the federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia to organise the further processing.”
Authorities assure the public that nuclear safety remains a priority.The NRW Ministry of Economics confirmed the insolvency does not compromise the plant’s security,and that “replacement after-laws” will be enacted if HKG cannot fulfill necessary safety measures. A framework contract is already in place with a specialist company prepared to intervene if needed.
The HKG’s financial woes are part of a broader trend of corporate instability in North Rhine-Westphalia, as evidenced by the recent insolvency filing of a leading automotive locking systems manufacturer, impacting 700 German employees.
