The safe storage of radioactive waste - whether for interim periods or final disposal - is a critical element in the overall waste management process. NUKEM offers comprehensive solutions for the design, licensing, construction, and commissioning of storage facilities tailored to a wide range of waste categories. This includes both low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste as well as high-level waste such as spent fuel.

Our approach ensures that all storage systems provide secure containment, effective shielding, and continuous monitoring over the entire storage duration. We take into account all national and international legal and regulatory requirements, integrating them into each phase of the project - from initial design through to operation.

Our services range from conducting option studies and feasibility assessments, through to the complete engineering design of interim storage facilities and near-surface repositories. We also develop and supply specialised systems, including remote-controlled handling equipment, shielding structures, and radiological monitoring technologies. Furthermore, we support our clients in the preparation of licensing documentation in accordance with the German Radiation Protection Ordinance (StrlSchV), the Atomic Energy Act (AtG), and other international regulations.

With our broad experience and interdisciplinary expertise, we are able to realise both near-surface disposal facilities for low and intermediate-level waste, as well as secure storage solutions for high-level waste such as spent fuel assemblies - always with the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

Reliable radiological characterization is essential for the correct classification, storage, and clearance of radioactive waste. Based on decades of expertise in waste treatment, decommissioning, and dismantling, NUKEM offers a comprehensive portfolio of measurement systems that deliver accurate, regulatory-compliant data across a wide range of waste types and geometries.

We provide individually configured solutions for both waste packages and bulk materials:

A standout solution in our measurement portfolio is the FREMES belt conveyor system, which is specifically designed for the radiological characterization of bulk materials such as concrete rubble, soil, or salt grit - often encountered during dismantling or remediation projects. With a throughput capacity of up to 100 tons per hour, FREMES enables 100% of the material to be continuously and precisely measured using gamma spectroscopy as well as optional total-alpha and total-beta detection.

FREMES is more than just a measurement system; it’s an intelligent solution that combines high throughput, rugged site suitability, and zero secondary waste generation. Its modular design allows for optimal performance at flow rates ranging from 5 to 100 t/h. Once characterized, material is automatically classified into categories (e.g., free release, limited release for on-site use, or radioactive waste), after which containers are filled accordingly. The system also generates complete licensing documentation and enables direct comparison to regulatory clearance limits.

Further benefits include:

With FREMES, NUKEM delivers the precision and efficiency needed to reduce disposal volumes, simplify logistics, and accelerate site clearance - making it an indispensable tool for modern radiological waste management.

Liquid waste includes contaminated water, process solutions, and sludge, often with complex chemical and radiological compositions. Before further treatment, these waste streams are sorted and characterizes to determine the most effective processing path. The objective is then to reduce volume, remove or stabilize radionuclides, and prepare the waste for long-term storage.

Our technologies include:

We tailor concepts of systems to the specific waste streams and regulatory environments of our clients.

Solid waste is generated throughout the operation, maintenance, and dismantling of nuclear facilities. Before treatment, this waste must be characterized and sorted into appropriate categories to ensure optimal processing. These steps are essential for selecting the suitable treatment path. To enable safe and cost-effective storage or disposal, the waste is then volume-reduced and, where necessary, stabilized.

Our solutions for solid waste:

Our modular systems allow integration into existing infrastructures or the planning of complete new facilities.

NUKEM Technologies Engineering Services - Decommissioning. Waste Management. Environmental Protection.

Solutions for complex challenges

From nuclear decommissioning to the management of radioactive and hazardous waste: Our engineering and consulting services are designed to meet the highest technical and environmental standards.

Proven expertise in action
Discover our international reference projects - from dismantling nuclear facilities to construction state-of-the-art waste treatment centers.

Our project highlights:

Your future in sustainable engineering
We are looking for committed minds who want to shape the future with us. Join a team that values responsibility, innovation and long-term impact.

What you can expect from us:

Engineering with responsibility
Our mission: Developing sustainable, safe and efficient solutions for industries dealing with radioactive and hazardous materials - with a strong commitment to protecting people and the environment.

What we stand for: