Nuclear Waste disposal

Radioactive waste disposal continues to be an emotional subject worldwide. The concern is more with the disposal of high-level waste which will remain radioactive for thousands of years. Thus, the issue of nuclear waste and methods of its disposal remain one of the most pressing problems facing the nuclear sector.

There are technical solutions for the waste disposal and they are certainly safe. Deep geological disposal is one of the viable options available for the purpose. There are international publications and guidelines available on the subject. However, what has been missing so far is a uniform, global approach to this issue at a level which is clearly understood by the clever public. Public acceptance is very important and somehow the authorities are not able to convince the educated and knowledgeable public about the safety and security of such technology in the long term. Private sector participation in nuclear sector and terrorist activity are the two new dimensions which should be addressed to convince the public.

The opinion is to have safety demonstration of such a technology and internationally harmonized regulations to control such activities. As part of its effort to tackle this issue, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held this week in Cape Town, South Africa, an international workshop on the safety and licensing of radioactive waste disposal. More than 90 international experts participated in the one-day event. The outcome of the workshop is awaited.