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Publication Laka-library:
Low-Level Radioactive Waste Repositories: An Analysis of Costs (1999)

Author	NEA
Date	1999
Classification	6.01.5.51/63 (WASTE - STORAGE ON LAND (f.i. SALT / CLAY) (INCL. SYNROC))
Front

FOREWORD

Low-level radioactive wastes are those that do not have a particularly long life nor
produce a great deal of heat while decaying. Therefore, they are not as difficult to
manage as spent nuclear fuel, radioactive waste separated at reprocessing plants or
other high-level radioactive waste. Nevertheless, they do require specially engineered
containers and disposal facilities so that their disposal does not breach norms for the
protection of people and the environment. The bulk of these wastes arise in the
normal operation of nuclear power plants and the associated fuel cycle facilities.
In most OECD countries, there are also significant arisings of low-level radioactive
waste from the use of radioactive isotopes in medicine, industry and agriculture.

One of the objectives of the Committee for Technical and Economic Studies on
Nuclear Energy Development and the Fuel Cycle (NDC) is to provide up-to-date
information on the economics of all steps of the nuclear fuel cycle. In this context,
the cost of low-level waste disposal is of interest to the Committee and an expert
group was convened to collect and review cost information available from a
number of operating repositories, as well as cost estimates for repository projects.

The report shows that those costs are low relative to the overall revenues and
costsof nuclear electricity generation. In absolute terms, however, the costs of
repositories for low-level waste are high enough to justify seeking ways and means
of reducing them. The study explored whether the experience acquired through
building and operating low-level waste repositories could be used to reduce the
costs of future repositories.

The report is published on the responsibility of the Secretary-General of the OECD.
It reflects the collective views of the expert group, though not necessarily the views
of the participating countries or international organisations.

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