Lower Saxony approves Lingen nuclear fuel plant expansion using Russian technology, sparking controversy

Published Jul 27, 05:30 AM UTC

Authorities in Lower Saxony, Germany, have approved the expansion of the Advanced Nuclear Fuels (ANF) plant in Lingen, allowing production of fuel assemblies for Soviet-designed VVER reactors under Russian licenses. The project, operated by a subsidiary of French company Framatome, relies on technology and intellectual property from TVEL, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned Rosatom. The decision has ignited political controversy and national security concerns, including risks of espionage and sabotage by Moscow. Despite criticism from the German Federal Environment Ministry, Lower Saxony officials stated that without EU sanctions against the nuclear sector, there are no legal grounds to block the project under German nuclear law. Framatome argues the move strengthens European industrial sovereignty and reduces direct fuel imports from Russia, while critics see it as deepening dependence on Russian technology. The approval highlights tensions between legal constraints, French industrial interests, and Germany's anti-nuclear policy.