// Disposal Technology and Specialpurpose Machines

ERNESTA

Development of technical concepts for the retrieval of repository containers with heat-generating radioactive waste and spent fuel elements from repositories in salt and claystone formations

The aim of the project was to further specify the technical implementation of retrieval concepts, to further investigate safety-related consequences and effects of the safety requirement "retrievability" on the repository design, and to demonstrate the effects in terms of effort and time required. The plans should provide the basis for a technically feasible solution ready for approval.

In Germany, the possibility of retrieval has been defined as a design requirement for a repository for heat-generating radioactive waste and spent fuel elements since 2010 in the safety requirements of the BMU. Fulfillment of the safety requirements is a prerequisite for the approval of the repository's commissioning. Initially, general questions regarding the implementation and integration of the retrieval requirement for a repository for heat-generating radioactive waste and spent fuel elements were answered. Subsequently, further development and detailed planning for a possible retrieval of repository containers for the concept of drift and borehole storage in salt and claystone formations were carried out. In addition, work programs for realizing the proof of technical feasibility for the relevant components of the retrieval concepts were developed.

As part of the R&D project ERNESTA, existing retrieval concepts were further developed and described in four detailed partial reports:
Technical concepts for the retrieval of the storage variant vertical borehole storage
- in salt formations and
- in claystone formations
Technical concepts for the retrieval of the storage variant horizontal drift storage
- in salt formations and
- in claystone formations