Toward implementing the final disposal of high-level radioactive waste

Shimizu, Kazuhiko

Radioactivity of High-level radioactive waste (HLW), produced by nuclear power generation, will last for over tens of thousands of years. Human control cannot be effective for such a long period. Countries around the world have been addressing geological disposal of HLW for more than half a century. Japan has also started the R&D in 1976. Based on its achievements, Japanese program moved into the implementation phase in 2000. However, the implementing organization, NUMO has been facing difficulty finding candidate areas. Worldwide, many countries have been forced to rethink their disposal program. In Japan, the final disposal is planned to start in the 2030's. In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to select candidate areas without delay and carry forward the decision-making process. Japanese government, NUMO and electric power suppliers are strengthening their efforts to promote the public acceptance. R&D sector is also expected to play an important role in this context.