1. D:\data\PowerPoint\Maravic\NCP-EURATOM Meeting - CCAB 16.10.02.ppt Slide 1 National Contact Points for EURATOM- Information Exchange Meeting October 16, 2002 - Brussels, CCAB 6th EURATOM FP - Management of Radioactive Waste “Research on Geological Disposal” Henning von Maravić DG RTD/J/4 henning.ritter-von-maravic@cec.eu.int

2. D:\data\PowerPoint\Maravic\NCP-EURATOM Meeting - CCAB 16.10.02.ppt Slide 2 “Research on Geological Disposal” (RWD) General Statement (1/2) u Community-supported research for more than 25 years u Main items are not new, but the strategy and focus have changed over the years u Progress achieved in terms of scientific-technical understanding & knowledge transfer in Europe, BUT u Lack on common European view on some key issues towards demonstration & public acceptance that safe disposal of radioactive waste is feasible & achievable!

3. D:\data\PowerPoint\Maravic\NCP-EURATOM Meeting - CCAB 16.10.02.ppt Slide 3 “Research on Geological Disposal” (RWD) General Statement (2/2) Basic understanding of processes of the disposal system {19 projects; 11.79 M€} Tools + Methodologies for PA/SA {6 projects; 3.84 M€ } RWD {43 projects; 28.93 M€} Demonstration of repository technology {16 projects; 12.16 M€} Public attitudes + involvement {2 projects; 1.14 M€} {Projects 5th EURATOM FP} 1998-2002

4. D:\data\PowerPoint\Maravic\NCP-EURATOM Meeting - CCAB 16.10.02.ppt Slide 4 “Research on Geological Disposal” 6th EURATOM FP (2003-2006) Objectives: u Establish a sound scientific and technical basis for demonstrating the safety of disposal of spent fuel and long-lived radioactive wastes in geological formations u Underpin the development of a common European view on the main issues related to the management and disposal of radioactive waste

5. D:\data\PowerPoint\Maravic\NCP-EURATOM Meeting - CCAB 16.10.02.ppt Slide 5 “Research on Geological Disposal” 6th EURATOM FP (2003-2006) Research topics: u Improvement of fundamental knowledge of key processes u Development and testing of disposal technologies in Underground Research Laboratories (URLs) u New and improved tools for Performance and Safety Assessment u Improving governance processes of waste disposal

6. D:\data\PowerPoint\Maravic\NCP-EURATOM Meeting - CCAB 16.10.02.ppt Slide 6 Improvement of fundamental knowledge of key processes Aim: u Experimental & theoretical studies to improve understanding of key physical, chemical & biological processes, as identified from the needs of performance & safety assessment Focus: u Mechanisms of transport & retardation of radionuclides u Coupling between near-field and far-field processes u Long-term behaviour & stability of natural & engineered barriers and their interaction

7. D:\data\PowerPoint\Maravic\NCP-EURATOM Meeting - CCAB 16.10.02.ppt Slide 7 Development and testing of disposal technologies in Underground Research Laboratories Aim: u Developing and testing the components of a disposal system, to demonstrate the soundness of waste disposal concept & its implementation Focus: u Repository layout & construction through testing in URLs, to improve their design for various host rock formations u Techniques for the closure and monitoring of repositories

8. D:\data\PowerPoint\Maravic\NCP-EURATOM Meeting - CCAB 16.10.02.ppt Slide 8 New and improved tools for Performance / Safety Assessment Aim: u Development of improved methods for PA and SA and methodologies to demonstrate long-term safety of repository system Focus: u Provide the basis for site-specific PA u Use of alternative PA/SA indicators u Guidance on how PA/SA outcome should be integrated in the safety case u Uncertainty & sensitivity analyses as evaluation basis of the confidence in calculated repository performance

9. D:\data\PowerPoint\Maravic\NCP-EURATOM Meeting - CCAB 16.10.02.ppt Slide 9 Improving governance processes of waste disposal Aim: u Studies of various approaches to decision-making: transparent, sound and capable of gaining public trust & confidence on radioactive waste disposal Focus: u Technical and societal aspects u Full involvement & integration of human sciences in the studies