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Contenuto archiviato il 2023-03-27

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Research programme (Euratom, EEC) to be implemented by the Joint Research Centre - Radioactive waste management -, 1984-1987

 
Part of the first Framework Programme (1984-1987) under subactivity 5.1.: "Nuclear fission and coordinated under the Research Action Programme (RAP) "Fission".

Initiated in 1973, the Joint Research Centre's research on waste management has been closely bound up with the Community's shared-cost programmes on the storage and management of radioactive waste which began in 1975. It has been in coordination with important research actions like PAGIS (Performance Assessment of Geological Isolation Systems) and MIRAGE (Migration of Radionuclides in the Geosphere).
To secure improvements in nuclear waste management in respect of the fuel cycle and to assess the risks associated with the disposal and storage of waste from nuclear fission activities in both continental geological formations and deep oceanic sediments with a view to the enhancement of safety considerations.
Three projects:

- Waste management and the fuel cycle:
Modifications to the fuel cycle were proposed, which minimized waste and improved waste quality for final disposal. The PETRA facility at the Ispra establishment of the Joint Research Centre was an example;

- Safety of waste storage in continental geological formations:
Both theoretical evaluation and experimental activities were covered with the aim of providing a long-term safety assessment;

- Feasibility and safety of waste storage in deep ocean sediments:
The particular character of sub-seabed disposal by comparison with continental geological formations was taken into account.
The Commission, assisted by the board of governors of the Joint Research Centre (JRC), was responsible for carrying out the programme, which was executed in the Ispra and Karlsruhe establishments of the JRC.

Information was disseminated in accordance with Council Regulation (EEC) No 2380/74 of 17 September 1974 (Official Journal No L 255 of 20.9.1974) adopting provisions for the dissemination of information relating to research programmes for the European Economic Community.

The Commission submitted annual reports to the Council and the European Parliament on the execution of the programme and reviewed it in its third year with a view to a further four-year programme. A final critical analysis carried out by independent experts was also submitted.