Since 2012 plans to export the casks to the United States have been considered due to the extremely high disposal expenses.

On July 2, 2014, the Federal Environment ministry issued an evacuation order[clarification needed] for the temporary storage.

In 1961, BBC and Krupp began AVR construction, led by Rudolf Schulten, performed on almost purely industrial basis[clarification needed] until 1964.

The federal government provided financial assistance, supported by the politician and founder of the Jülich Research Center (JRC), Leo Brandt.

Construction cost figures vary between 85 and 125 million Deutsche marks Since about 1970 the AVR GmbH was de facto dependent on JRC, although it remained formally independent until 2003.

[6] These final high temperatures were a world record for nuclear facilities,[7] though later exceeded by the US test reactor UHTREX.

[11] Thus in 2008, the reactor vessel was filled with light concrete to fixate the radioactive fine particle dust.

[12] In 2012, the reactor vessel of 2100 metric tons was to be transported about 200 meters by air-cushion sled and seven cranes to an intermediate storage site.

During a severe water accident in 1978, 90Sr leaked, and in 1999 soil and groundwater contamination below the reactor was discovered, as confirmed by the German government in February 2010.

During this time it became obvious that the AVR bottom reflector was broken; about 200 fuel pebbles remain wedged in its crack.

After the AVR vessel is moved into intermediate storage, the reactor buildings will be dismantled, and soil and groundwater will be decontaminated.