White Elephant: nuclear power plant in Kalkar which was transformed to a theme park

A nuclear power plant was built in Kalkar, Germany, and was completely constructed, ready to accept nuclear fuel. However, the project was put on hold and later canceled.

Background

The SNR-300 project began in the 1970s as a collaboration between Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands and aimed to demonstrate the viability of fast breeder reactor technology. However, due to various factors including safety concerns, cost overruns, and public opposition to nuclear energy, the project faced multiple delays and controversies. In the late 1980s, following the Chernobyl disaster and growing anti-nuclear sentiment, the governments decided to cancel the SNR-300 project.The construction of the reactor was halted, and the project was officially abandoned in the early 1990s.

Some of the structures were later demolished and equipment was either sold or destroyed. The already received nuclear fuel was transported to France, where it was used in their nuclear reactors.

Repurpose

The site where the SNR-300 was being built, was repurposed into an amusement park known as "Wunderland Kalkar." The reactor building was transformed into a hotel, and the surrounding area now hosts various attractions.