Current status of research and development at Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), focusing on underground research laboratory projects

Sasao, Eiji   

Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has been engaged in research and development (R&D) on deep geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste over the years. In this paper, the current status of R&D activities is presented. JAEA is the only research organization in Japan that has underground research facilities, and this paper focuses on the underground research laboratory projects at the facility. R&D on deep geological disposal was initiated in 1976 in Japan and has been performed by JAEA and other R&D organizations. This paper also briefly summarizes the history of R&D and introduces the basic concept of geological disposal in Japan.