The nuclear energy sector is abuzz with activity, as countries worldwide scramble to secure their energy supply and reduce carbon emissions by building nuclear power facilities. This renewed interest has sparked a critical conversation about the effective management of radioactive waste, a topic that demands international collaboration and innovative solutions. Rebecca Tadesse and Gabriele Grassi, experts from the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, emphasize the urgency of this issue, given the global nature of the industry and the rapid pace of technological innovation.
The number of countries expressing interest in nuclear energy programmes has surged, with 30 countries signing on to a declaration in 2023 to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050 as part of their net zero commitments. This surge necessitates a reassessment of how to manage the life cycle of potentially new forms of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and radioactive waste. The sector has responsibly addressed the entire life cycle of its materials since the start of civilian nuclear energy over 70 years ago. However, the increasing variety of new and advanced nuclear technologies requires a fresh look at waste management strategies.
The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) has been at the forefront of radioactive waste management research, technology, and policy since 1958. The agency is committed to supporting its 34 member countries in this long-term endeavour, focusing on sharing information, harmonising approaches, and avoiding duplication of work. This collaborative effort is crucial for developing effective low-carbon energy solutions.
Radioactive materials produced in nuclear reactors are classified based on their radioactivity and decay time, ranging from very low-level waste to high-level waste (HLW). Much of the waste’s radioactivity decays over a few centuries, but a small fraction remains hazardous for thousands of years. Spent nuclear fuel is stored in interim storage facilities pending final disposal or reprocessing. The extended decay times of SNF/HLW have sparked debates about the long-term sustainability of nuclear energy. However, the global scientific consensus is clear: the permanent disposal of SNF/HLW in a deep geological repository (DGR) is a safe and effective solution.
DGRs are engineered tunnels excavated several hundred metres underground in carefully selected host rock formations. These repositories house SNF/HLW within secure cannisters, providing a reliable method for ensuring environmental and human safety over the long term. Decades of research worldwide have led independent national regulators to endorse DGRs as the optimal solution for the permanent disposal of SNF/HLW. The construction of DGRs involves extensive geological studies to understand the behaviour of host rock formations over hundreds of thousands, even millions, of years.
Finland is a pioneer in DGR development, with the Onkalo site on Olkiluoto Island expected to become operational in the upcoming years. This facility comprises 10km of tunnels to a depth of approximately 450m, with an additional 40km planned over the next century. The success of Finland’s DGR programme highlights the importance of high-quality stakeholder engagement and well-designed public policies. Countries such as Canada, France, Sweden, and Switzerland are also advancing their DGR programmes with effective stakeholder involvement and by identifying suitable sites and establishing the required regulatory and legal frameworks.
The extended timeframe of DGRs poses unique challenges, such as communicating the repository’s importance and purpose to future generations. Advances in science and technology may prompt future societies to enhance repository features or modify its operation. Extensive and transparent dialogue with all stakeholders is indispensable when planning a DGR, from agreeing that it is the country’s solution of choice to finding a site and building, filling, and maintaining it. Stakeholder engagement can take many forms, including expert consultations, commissions, community conferences, public hearings, and parliamentary sessions. By encouraging open and ongoing communication, countries can refine their technical choices while building societal trust, thereby minimising the risk of costly policy U-turns over time.
The development of new nuclear technologies is accelerating, driven by the growing interest in nuclear energy as a low-carbon source of power and heat. This multiplicity of new reactor concepts presents both opportunities and challenges for radioactive waste management. The NEA’s commitment to supporting its member countries in this endeavour is more critical than ever. As the nuclear energy sector continues to evolve, international collaboration and innovative solutions will be key to ensuring the safe and effective management of radioactive waste. The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated, as the decisions made today will shape the future of nuclear energy and its role in achieving a low-carbon future.
