Geological disposal | Partitioning and transmutation
Finding acceptable solutions for managing long-lived radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel is an issue key to the nuclear industry and society alike. It is a challenge that the European community must address today and not pass on for subsequent generations to deal with. And it is a challenge that will remain no matter what policy decisions are made with respect to the contribution of nuclear power to future energy supplies.
A common European view on the disposal of hazardous radioactive waste has developed over the past decade amongst a wide spectrum of stakeholders. This view embraces the disposal of waste in deep geological formations as the most appropriate, viable and long-term solution. Research carried out under previous Euratom programmes will enable FP7 activities to be truly implementation orientated - aiming to establish a sound scientific and technical basis for demonstrating the safe disposal of high-level radioactive waste. The objective is to show clearly that the technology and practices are safe, economic and available for deployment now.
In parallel, the use of techniques such as partitioning and transmutation continue to be investigated, with the aim of enabling waste quantities to be minimised and reducing significantly the time over which any waste remains a potential radiological hazard.
Research areas
Last updated on: 2008-04-29