Euradwaste '08 - EU Bookshop - Europa

erage level of funding of research projects increased substantially. As a result, co-operations between
research groups that had worked independently in previous EU-supported Programmes were
strengthened. Accordingly, the Sixth Framework Programme represented a major step forward in
the structuring of European RD&D Programmes.
This paper discusses progress made in research on the management of radioactive waste by the FP6
project NF-PRO. NF-PRO is a multidisciplinary FP6 Integrated Project investigating the barrier
performance of the near-field of geological repositories for high-level waste disposal. The NF-PRO
consortium consists of 40 leading nuclear research organisations, radioactive waste management
agencies/implementing organisations, universities and consulting companies. For a full and in-depth
account of work performed, the reader is referred to the NF-PRO Synthesis Reports and corresponding
references to the detailed NF-PRO technical reports herein [1-5].
2. The near-field system
Facilities for the geological disposal of radioactive waste are designed to provide safety by minimising
the release of radionuclides from the repository system over extended periods of time. Multiple
engineered barriers enclose the disposed waste packages. These barriers constitute the nearfield
system and play an essential role in securing the overall safety of geological disposal. The
near-field is a complex environment consisting of several components including the waste form, the
waste canisters, backfills, seals, plugs and the region of the host rock immediately surrounding the
repository system. Repository construction and operation as well as waste emplacement will affect
chemical and physical conditions and therefore the confinement properties of the disposal system.
After repository closure, the near-field environment will evolve as a result of chemical interactions
between different repository components, heat generation and radiation. Safety evaluations have to
take into account the combined effects of processes occurring in the near-field in order to assess
their impact on radionuclide mobility and thus the effectiveness of the safety functions of isolation
and retardation.
3. Scope and objective of research addressed by NF-PRO
The Integrated Project NF-PRO addresses the near-field of a repository for the geological disposal
of vitrified high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel. NF-PRO’s project scope takes into account
various repository concepts/designs that are currently under investigation in EU Member States.
The host rocks addressed by NF-PRO are salt, granite and clay.
The principal objective of NF-PRO is to improve the understanding of key processes in the nearfield.
NF-PRO is the first European research project bringing together all fields of expertise related
to the near-field system. Accordingly, NF-PRO represents a major step forward in the developing of
a scientific and technical basis for radioactive waste management.
4. Summary of advances made by NF-PRO
4.1 Advances in research related to key processes affecting the waste form
The waste form constitutes the first engineered barrier in a geological repository. Upon contact with
groundwater, the waste matrix will slowly dissolve leading to the release of radionuclides. The
mechanisms controlling the alteration of the waste matrix are complex and depend, amongst others,
on the geochemical conditions prevailing in the near-field. NF-PRO has investigated processes affecting
radionuclide release from the waste form under near-field conditions.
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