A train carrying seven high-radioactive Castor containers has arrived at an interim storage facility in Niederbayern, marking a significant event in Germany's nuclear waste management history.

The transport, which originated from the United Kingdom, reached its destination smoothly without notable incidents, a departure from the tumultuous protests that characterized earlier transports during the height of the anti-nuclear movement in Germany.

The Castor containers arrived on the evening of April 3, 2025, after departing from the port in Nordenham, Niedersachsen.

The train passed through various regions of Germany and reached the interim storage site in Niederaichbach at approximately 19:10 local time.

This delivery represents one of the last of its kind, as Germany continues to phase out nuclear energy.

Historically, Castor transports have mandated massive police deployments and sparked significant public protests, often slowing down the transit due to resistance from anti-nuclear demonstrators.

In contrast, the current transport was met with relatively low-key protests, with activists organizing small gatherings along the route.

The protests were described as subdued and reflective of a shift in public engagement with nuclear issues since the country's decision to exit nuclear energy.

Even though the protests were quieter, activists conveyed a consistent message, emphasizing their opposition to nuclear energy rather than the repatriation of waste itself.

Helge Bauer, a spokesperson for the organization Ausgestrahlt, noted that while the anti-nuclear movement has diminished, it remains focused on the overarching rejection of nuclear power.

The event attracted attention, and numerous spectators gathered to witness the transport, accompanied by a substantial security presence.

Local authorities reported that several thousand police officers were deployed to maintain safety during the operation.

Security measures included barricading the train station in Wörth an der Isar, where police officers were stationed in the area, and equipping mounted police units to patrol along the transport route.

The duration of protests surrounding the transports has noticeably decreased.

Martin Geilhufe, a representative of the Bund Naturschutz, commented on the historical context, recalling the large-scale protests that had marked earlier transports to Gorleben.

He reflected on how these public demonstrations played a role in ending a significant societal conflict over nuclear energy, leading to the shutdown of nuclear power plants in Germany.

Despite the peaceful nature of the recent transport, concerns remain regarding the long-term management of nuclear waste.

Critics, including political representatives from the Green party, have raised alarms about the facilities that are intended for interim storage.

These interim sites, originally designed for a 40-year lifespan, may now be required to accommodate nuclear waste for 80 to 100 years or more, which could elevate security risks, particularly related to potential terrorist threats.

The radioactive material consists of spent fuel elements from German nuclear power plants, reprocessed in the UK. Germany is legally obligated to return these atomic wastes.

The transport of four Castor containers in 2024 marked the completion of the repatriation process from La Hague, while more than 100 containers had previously been sent to the interim storage facility in Gorleben from 1995 to 2011. Currently, seven additional Castor containers from the reprocessing plant Sellafield are scheduled for return to Germany, specifically at Brokdorf in Schleswig-Holstein, which will finalize the repatriation of nuclear waste from the UK.