“Repository decision requires broad societal debate”
Nagra submitted the general licence application for a deep geological repository today. The next step is the review by the authorities, but a broad societal debate is also needed, Nagra CEO Matthias Braun pointed out. The repository should be legitimised not only through a technical review, but also as a result of a direct democratic process.
The deep geological repository for Switzerland’s radioactive waste is to be constructed in Nördlich Lägern. Nagra submitted the corresponding general licence application to the federal authorities today. In its application, Nagra demonstrates that Nördlich Lägern is the most suitable site and that a repository constructed there can meet the highest safety standards in the long term. In addition, the application includes an outline of the basic features of the project.
“We are demonstrating that we can construct and operate this deep geological repository safely – even if it will be challenging. We are also showing that the repository is compatible with environmental protection,” said Nagra CEO Matthias Braun at a media conference in Bern.
“With this application, we are laying out the facts needed for Switzerland to decide on the safe geological disposal of the nation’s radioactive waste.” A solution to the problem is thus within reach.
It is now up to the authorities to review the technical content of the documents, says Braun. The Federal Council, Parliament and probably the electorate will then decide on the application.
Over the next months, the federal authorities will first check the application documentation for completeness. Nagra will then publish the entire application documentation and all the scientific reports online – three years earlier than required by law.
Nagra facilitates well-founded discussion
With this step, Nagra wants to enable an early and meaningful debate about the project – in parallel with the technical review of the application by the authorities. Nagra will be available for questions and discussions. “The cross-generational project of deep geological disposal needs to be debated as broadly as possible and should be legitimised as a result of a direct democratic process – in Switzerland, this includes a national referendum,” Braun continued.
According to current planning, the Federal Council will decide on the application in 2029 and Parliament in 2030. A national referendum is expected to take place in 2031.
Broad societal debate on the deep geological repository
On 19th November 2024, Nagra submitted two general licence applications. What is being decided with the applications ? The most important points at a glance.
Securing the most suitable site
FAQ: Important questions and answers
How does a deep geological repository work?
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The surface facility at Haberstal
Will the radioactive waste be disposed of at the Haberstal site near Stadel?
No, this site will not be used for disposal but for the construction of the surface facility which provides the access to the deep geological repository. The Haberstal site was selected in close collaboration with the Nördlich Lägern region. The two repository sections for low- and intermediate-level waste and for high-level waste will be constructed at a depth of 800 to 900 metres in the Opalinus Clay. Their exact positions will only be determined with the construction licence.
Encapsulation plant for spent fuel assemblies at the Zwilag interim storage facility
The radioactive waste is to be packaged into disposal canisters in an encapsulation plant located at the site of the interim storage facility in Würenlingen. This allows synergies – but also necessitates a separate general licence application. As the waste is not repackaged at the site of the deep geological repository, it is necessary to submit a separate application for the encapsulation plant for spent fuel assemblies. Safety also plays an important role in this application, along with other issues such as spatial planning, environmental impacts and subsequent decommissioning. According to present-day planning, the low- and intermediate-level waste is also to be packaged in the interim storage facility in Würenlingen (Zwilag) and then transported to the surface facility of the deep geological repository. As an encapsulation plant for low- and intermediate-level waste already exists, all that is needed is to increase its capacity.
Outlook
After several years of review, the Federal Council will decide on the general licence applications towards the end of the decade. Its decision will then be submitted to the Federal Parliament. Should a referendum be called against the parliamentary decision, the electorate will have the final say around 2031. Until then, Nagra will specify its construction project. This way, Nagra will be ready to submit the construction licence application as soon as Switzerland has made its fundamental decision on the repository.
When will repository construction begin?
Nagra is planning to construct a so-called combined repository, which combines two repository sections at one site. Initial construction activities are scheduled to start in around ten years. Construction of the repository section for low- and intermediate-level waste is scheduled to begin in 2045, and that for high-level waste in 2055.
When will the radioactive waste be emplaced in the repository?
According to current planning, low- and intermediate-level waste is to be emplaced from 2050. The emplacement of high-level waste is to follow from 2060.
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