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CARD – Proposed European Technology Platform For The Co-ordination Of
RD&D For Geological Disposal
Alan Hooper 1 , Julio Astudillo 2 , Wernt Brewitz 3 , Monica Hammarstrom 4 , Lawrence Johnson 5 ,
Metka Kralj 6 , Philippe Lalieux 7 , Patrick Landais 8 , Irena Mele 6 , Gerald Ouzounian 8 , Marjatta
Palmu 9 , Frantisek Woller 10 , Juhani Vira 9
Summary
1 NDA-RWMD, United Kingdom; 2 ENRESA, Spain; 3 GRS, Germany
4 SKB, Sweden; 5 Nagra, Switzerland; 6 ARAO, Slovenia
7 ONDRAF/NIRAS, Belgium; 8 Andra, France; 9 POSIVA Oy, Finland
10 RAWRA, Czech Republic
The aim of the CARD project was to assess the feasibility of a European Technology Platform
(TP) that would provide a framework for networking and co-operation in the field of RD&D
for geological disposal of radioactive waste in the EU. The project sought inputs, principally
through a questionnaire and a subsequent open workshop, from radioactive waste management
organisations (geological disposal implementers), research organisations, regulators, local
communities and other stakeholders as prospective participants in a TP. An analysis of the
responses enabled the identification of the general benefits or objectives required by prospective
TP participants.
The proposed structure and working methods of a TP that would deliver these benefits and objectives
have been developed and consulted upon. A step-by-step implementation plan has
been outlined where the next step is the drafting of a Vision Document for the TP that will
provide the basis for organisations to commit to participation. Once the participants are established,
they will generate a Strategic Research Agenda defining the priorities for RD&D to
support the successful implementation of geological disposal in EU Member States.
1. Introduction
The aim of the CARD Project was to assess the feasibility of a Technology Platform (TP) 5 that
would provide a European framework for networking and co-operation in the field of RD&D for
geological disposal of radioactive waste in the EU, see reference [1]. Under the EC contract, the
study collected inputs from radioactive waste management organisations (geological disposal implementers)
and other potential participants in a TP, comprising research organisations, regulators,
local communities and other stakeholders. The project partners then analysed these inputs and, finding
there is a sufficient level of support (meaning coherent support for a common proposal), developed
the basis for a proposal for a TP.
5 The ‘Technology Platform’ is an instrument devised by the European Commission to provide a framework for coordination
of R&D activities in key technical areas with a view to assisting Europe to compete efficiently in the
development of advanced and complex technologies, e.g. see http://cordis.europa.eu/technologylatforms/home_en.html.
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