Theme Overview n°1 : Programme Management (DOI 10.5281/zenodo.6685232)

Implementing a National RWM Programme leading to Geological Disposal

Geological disposal is the preferred solution for some of the radioactive wastes (RW) in almost every national inventory, with all EU Member States eventually requiring access to some form of deep geological repository (DGR), unless all their present and future arisings of higher activity wastes can be returned to their country of origin. Implementing a DGR is thus the endpoint of many national programmes and is also the most complex and difficult activity that they will have to undertake. Getting to an effective solution has to be done within the framework of a broadly-based and comprehensive national programme that addresses all aspects of radioactive waste management (RWM) for all of the wastes in the national inventory and all of the RWM facilities that will be needed.

This Theme looks at how geological disposal can be implemented within the framework of a national RWM programme. It focuses on some of the practical experiences of more advanced programmes as they move through the phases of work that lead to a DGR. A national RWM programme requires a strong foundation of national policy that defines overall objectives, a schedule and the legal framework for implementing waste management, transport, storage and disposal solutions. The legal framework should include provisions stipulating the responsibilities of waste producers, waste owners and the national regulatory authorities. It should identify the mechanisms for funding the national RWM programme. The national RWM programme should operate inside a strong infrastructure of effective organisations with sound management systems and clear interaction procedures.

There should be a clear policy of involving relevant external stakeholders in decision-making processes. In the early phase of establishing national policy or developing a RWM programme there is documentary and advisory support available from the IAEA, along with decades of experience encapsulated in EU-wide good practice.