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Euradwaste '08 - EU Bookshop - Europa

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Geological repositories …<br />

Differences to other projects from the scientific point of view<br />

� Challenges due to long time scales involved<br />

- ‘Engineering approach’ 1) not possible for critical aspects (e.g. long-term<br />

performance)<br />

- Our job is limited to research, design & implementation (with rather<br />

limited testing possibilities) � demonstration of compliance ‘by paper’<br />

� However: ‘opportunities’ due to inherently favourable phenomena<br />

- Decay of radiotoxicity (but: some very long-lived isotopes)<br />

- Immobility of some of the key isotopes (geochemical behaviour) 2)<br />

- Geological stability (long historical record, natural analogues) 2)<br />

� And: favourable project conditions<br />

- Relatively small volumes of wastes<br />

- Significant financial resources available<br />

- Time available for careful planning & implementation<br />

1) research/design � prototypes & testing � implementation � observation & corrections<br />

2) there is safety & ‘certainty’ for a well designed repository (well chosen site, adequate design)<br />

5 Zu/201008<br />

CEC_Communication_Zuidema_201008<br />

Radioactive decay: powerful, but not complete …<br />

Radiotoxicity of 1 t of spent fuel and 8 t of natural U<br />

6 Zu/201008<br />

CEC_Communication_Zuidema_201008<br />

79<br />

Remaining lifetime<br />

of our sun

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