Nagra publishing documentation for the general licence application for the deep geological repository today
Nagra is publishing the general licence application with the associated documentation and reference reports today. This was a deliberate decision to allow a well-founded and broad debate at an early stage.
Nagra submitted the general licence application for a deep geological repository in Nördlich Lägern in November 2024. In a first step, the authorities checked the application documentation for completeness. Nagra was then asked to revise and clarify a number of points (see box) and has now submitted the revised application to the authorities. At the same time, the entire documentation has been published on a specially developed digital platform.
In line with legal requirements, Nagra would not have to make the application publicly available until 2027, when a three-month public consultation period is foreseen.
The digital licence application
On www.drbg.ch, any interested readers can study the entire documentation for both the general licence application for the deep geological repository and that for the encapsulation plant for spent fuel assemblies.
The search function allows readers to browse through the actual applications, the so-called application documentation and all relevant reference reports.
“It is important to us that all interested parties can study the application today and without time pressure,” explains Nagra CEO Matthias Braun, “which is why we are publishing the documentation now.” According to Braun, a project of the century such as the deep geological repository requires not only the review of the supervisory authorities, but also a broad societal debate. The early publication is intended to support and facilitate this debate.
In its application, Nagra demonstrates why it considers Nördlich Lägern the most suitable site and why 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. It also shows that a repository can be constructed and operated safely – even if the task remains challenging. Nagra must also demonstrate in the application how this can be done in a manner that is compatible with environmental protection.
Nagra had to further clarify these points
Among other things, the authorities requested that references to associated technical reports be more clearly labelled in the application documentation. The Environmental Impact Report and the associated specifications had to be supplemented: for example, more details were requested on how construction sites can be designed to be environmentally friendly or which specialists need to be involved during the construction process. Nagra also had to clarify to what extent the protection of thermal water can be assured. The authorities further requested information on what would happen if the disposal reserve that Nagra had applied for were used in full.
Nagra has supplemented and improved the information and submitted the revised application. The authorities will now begin to review the content of the application documentation.
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