Materna launches an information portal on the search for a final repository

On behalf of the Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste Management (BASE), the IT service provider Materna SE has developed a new information portal on the search for a final repository. The new website complements BASE’s main site, which previously covered the search for a final repository as well as all other tasks of the federal authority. Since 27 April 2020, interested parties have been able to find detailed information at www.endlagersuche-infoplattform.de on the status of the search, as well as on procedures and opportunities for public participation. In accordance with the Site Selection Act (StandAG), which came into force in 2017, the portal fulfils one of the prerequisites for transparency in the process and for public participation in one of the most challenging environmental projects in Germany.

The Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste Management (BASE) is the federal licensing and supervisory authority responsible for the safe management of the legacy of nuclear energy. Among other things, it oversees the site selection process and organises public participation. According to the Act, a site for a final repository must be found by 2031 for the radioactive waste currently stored in interim storage facilities in Germany.

Information portal: the key basis for public participation

The new online platform provides transparent and open information about the search for a final repository and makes key documents – such as expert reports, data collections and reports – as well as all updates, accessible via a document directory. The version control system included allows access to older documents as well, making the framework conditions and decisions traceable. Desired documents can be easily retrieved using an integrated document search and various filter functions. The entire history of the search for a final repository will in future be presented chronologically in a timeline.

To actively involve the public, various participation formats are planned. These include, for example, specialist conferences, regional conferences, and information and educational programmes. Given the intergenerational nature of the search for a final repository, BASE offers workshops and teaching materials via its website, aimed in particular at the younger generation.

Materna delivers the entire project from a single source

In collaboration with BASE, Materna developed the concept for the new information portal, ran workshops and implemented the entire project from start to finish. This included the design and the complete technical implementation of the web project, including the integration and configuration of the document database. In a further phase of development, a media library containing video and image material, as well as an events calendar, will be integrated.

In terms of user experience, the website impresses with a clear page structure and attractively designed topic pages featuring a responsive design. The homepage provides easy access to the most important information. The website is built on the Government Site Builder (GSB 7), the federal government’s content management solution. Hosting is provided by ITZBund.