Do you have any idea what LTM or WMP might stand for? No? Not to worry, these are technical acronyms. Normally, I would avoid using these here. But not today because today I will tell you about the retrieval of radioactive waste.
The deep geological repository is a project of the century. To make sure everyone speaks of the same things over this long time period, we need a uniform language.
Retrievability is one of these terms ؘ– just like long-term monitoring (LTM) and the Waste Management Programme (WMP).
According to Nagra’s terminology list, retrievability refers to the “possibility of deliberately reopening a deep geological repository for the purpose of extracting waste that has already been emplaced”. This is a topic that leaves much room for discussion. Our mining engineer, Thorsten Steils, explains the technical principles. Anna Deplazes sheds light on the ethical aspects surrounding retrievability.
How will the radioactive waste be transported to the deep geological repository? By rail or road? Read here which option Nagra prefers (as of today) – and why.
Switzerland’s federal authorities give Nagra positive feedback for its 2021 Waste Management Programme (WMP). Every five years, Nagra uses the Waste Management Programme to report on the current status of the project of the century of deep geological disposal and the next steps to be taken. Based on recommendations by the authorities, the Federal Council stipulates a number of conditions to be met over the next five years. This is an important contribution to the success of the project of the century.
Learning and innovation form the cornerstones of our work. Nagra promotes young science and technology talents to ensure that Switzerland remains a stronghold in the future.
Speaking of the future: we are currently looking for support in several fields of expertise. Might one of the current job offers be of interest to you? Please feel free to recommend us to your contacts.
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Content:
Retrievability: the fine line between making decisions ourselves and burdening future generations with them
“We do not expect the need to retrieve the radioactive waste – but we could retrieve it if necessary”
In this interview, Nagra mining engineer Thorsten Steils explains how radioactive waste can be retrieved from a deep geological repository.
Transporting the waste to the repository
“Where is the radioactive waste being held now and how does it get to the repository?” These are two frequently asked questions.
Positive feedback from the federal authorities
The federal authorities commented on Nagra’s 2021 Waste Management Programme. After a thorough review, they gave Nagra positive feedback. Nagra now awaits the Federal Council’s approval.
Where learning meets innovation
Nagra encourages its young scientists to expand both their networks and their knowledge. At the «KERNthemen» conference in Dresden, Germany, the focus was on interdisciplinary exchange.
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