Nuclear plant operators to bear dismantling costs after court ruling
The nuclear power plant in Hamm-Uentrop ceased operations following numerous issues. The Regional Court in Düsseldorf has ruled that the operators, including the RWE Group and the energy supplier Mark-E from Hagen, must bear the dismantling costs.
31 August 2024 13:13
As German radio WDR reported, the dispute regarding the dismantling costs of the closed nuclear power plant in Hamm-Uentrop concluded with a verdict from the Regional Court in Düsseldorf.
The court determined that the operating company covered the dismantling costs. This enterprise had filed a complaint against the federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, arguing that these institutions should cover these costs according to the existing framework agreement. However, the court had a different opinion, emphasising that the agreement "deserves an interpretation that does not oblige such payments in light of the circumstances under which it was concluded," according to the WDR radio portal.
RWE and Mark-E have a share in the company
The operating company includes, among others, the energy group RWE and the energy supplier Mark-E from Hagen. The dismantling of the reactor could cost the company hundreds of millions of pounds. However, they have the right to appeal the verdict, which the Higher Regional Court in Düsseldorf would review.
In the 1980s, the reactor in Hamm-Uentrop was planned as the future of nuclear energy. However, it was shut down after six years of operation due to numerous problems and failures. The plant's dismantling is scheduled to start at the end of 2030.