// Site Investigation and Assessment, Repository Design

EUGENIA

Development and implementation of technical concepts for repositories in deep geological formations in various host rocks

The subject of the report was to research the international state of science and technology regarding the planning, construction, and operation of repositories for heat-generating radioactive waste, especially in geological formations such as salt, claystone, and magmatic rock, taking into account the research and development work conducted in this regard. This included compiling a compendium of concepts and technical components developed in Germany over several decades for a repository in salt, including the unique R&D results obtained, as well as repository concepts for host rocks such as granite and claystone developed in European countries. It was found that there is international consensus regarding the disposal of high-level heat-generating radioactive waste in deep geological formations. These formations provide the necessary long-term isolation potential. International safety standards and principles, as well as national regulations, form the regulatory framework for the planning, construction, operation, and closure of repositories. The search for and selection of suitable sites is based on country-specific criteria. Factors such as the available host rock formation, type and quantity of waste, and political and social aspects all play a role. Final site decisions have already been made in countries such as Finland and Sweden. The technical repository concepts are designed taking into account local site conditions as well as the type and quantity of radioactive waste. The present study demonstrates that suitable repository concepts have been developed and described for each of the considered host rocks (crystalline, clay, and salt).