Switzerland intends to safely dispose of its radioactive waste in a deep geological repository that provides long-term protection for humans and the environment. Future generations will not have to concern themselves with the waste.
Switzerland’s radioactive waste arises from nuclear power plants and applications in medicine, industry and research. Swiss legislation stipulates that this waste has to be safely disposed of long-term in a deep geological repository.
Until the repository is ready, the waste will be held in the interim storage facility in Würenlingen and at the nuclear power plants. Nagra submitted the general licence application for the deep geological repository in November 2024. In this application, Nagra proposed Nördlich Lägern as the site for Switzerland’s deep geological repository.
Why Nördlich Lägern is the most suitable site (german)
Why a deep geological repository?
Switzerland’s radioactive waste must be safely isolated from humans and the environment for a very long period of time, i.e. for tens to hundreds of thousands of years. This is how long it takes for the toxicity of the waste to decay to a harmless level. High-level waste in particular cannot be held in surface repositories because it is impossible to foresee how society and the earth’s surface will evolve.
In a deep geological repository, the waste is emplaced in tight and stable rock formations at a depth of several hundreds of metres, thus ensuring long-term, post-closure safety without the need for human intervention. A multi-barrier system protects the waste from external impacts and retains radioactive substances in the repository.
How the deep geological repository works (german)
Based on technical-scientific, societal and ethical considerations, experts in Switzerland and abroad came to the conclusion that deep geological disposal is the best waste management solution for Switzerland. The deep geological disposal of all the nation’s radioactive waste was stipulated in Switzerland’s Nuclear Energy Act as part of a broadly supported, democratic process.
Engineers view a deep geological repository as a project of the century. For society, it is a cross-generational project: by implementing it, today’s generations are assuming responsibility in order to avoid burdening future generations with it. Here at Nagra, we are proud to contribute to this task.
A safe repository in Switzerland
Nagra has the mandate to plan and implement a safe deep geological repository. In a feasibility demonstration approved by the Federal Council, Nagra has shown that this is technically feasible. The repository will require monitoring until its final closure, and Nagra has to demonstrate that this can be ensured. The waste has to remain retrievable without undue effort until the closure of the repository. Switzerland and other countries have opted for a deep geological repository as the best solution for disposing of radioactive waste.