Current status and future prospects of the Horonobe International Project; Importance of the international joint project in Horonobe Underground Research Project

Aoyagi, Kazuhei  ; Tachi, Yukio  

Japan Atomic Energy Agency launched "Horonobe International Project (HIP)" utilizing the Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory. Currently, 11 organizations from 8 countries/regions are joining this project. The main objective of this project is to develop and demonstrate advanced technologies to be used in repository design, operation and closure and a realistic safety assessment in deep geological disposal, and to encourage and train the next generation of engineers and researchers. The research tasks consist of 1) Solute transport experiment with model testing, 2) Systematic integration of repository technology options, and 3) Full-scale EBS dismantling experiment. In these tasks, experimental galleries will be excavated and in situ experiments will be performed at these galleries, then the analysis and investigation methods will be validated. This is a unique and original aspect of the HIP and three research tasks described above are challenging from an international perspective. Thus, HIP can be a good practice of international collaboration utilizing the underground facility.