In the Federal Republic of Germany, hightemperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) operating experience with the experimental Arbeitsgemeinschaft Versuchsreaktor (AVR) and the thorium high-temperature reactor (THTR)-300 prototype plant forms the basis for follow-up medium HTGR concepts for electricity production and small modular designs for combined electricity and heat production. To some degree, plant designs emphasize inherent safety features. Basically, this ensures that beyonddesign-basis events, including total loss of forced cooling, do not cause a large (catastrophic) activity release or, in the case of the small modular concept, any significant release. Assessments based on intensive experimental and theoretical work indicate a minimum risk for either plant. Acute protective countermeasures (e.g., evacuation) will not be required; only for the (nonoptimized) medium-sized concept could long-term relocation and decontamination be appropriate for a relatively small area.