Nuclear Plant Operator Insolvency Threatens Billions in Demolition costs
Hamm-Uentrop, Germany - The operator of the decommissioned Thorium High-Temperature Reactor (THTR) in Hamm-Uentrop has filed for insolvency, raising concerns that the already escalating costs of dismantling the facility could balloon into the billions of euros. What was initially projected to cost 350 million euros for demolition is now estimated by the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) state parliament to be at least EUR 753 million, with speculation mounting that the final price tag could be significantly higher.
The THTR, a unique experimental nuclear power plant, began construction on May 1, 1971, and achieved commercial operation on June 1, 1987, before being shut down on September 29, 1988. Construction costs were approximately four billion Deutsche Marks (DM). The insolvency throws the long-planned dismantling process into uncertainty and places the financial burden squarely on the state of NRW.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Economics, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy (MWike) assured that “The nuclear security of the THTR is not affected by the bankruptcy, it is indeed also guaranteed.” The ministry stated that the facility continues to meet all safety requirements and is under continuous monitoring by NRWS nuclear supervision.
To ensure continued safety, the state has a framework contract with a specialist company prepared to intervene if the operating company cannot fulfill necessary safety measures. “This ensures nuclear security at any time,” the MWike spokesperson added. The state is now preparing to potentially take over the demolition work entirely.
