BGE TECHNOLOGY GmbH at the Waste Management Symposia 2026 in Phoenix

In March 2026, BGE TECHNOLOGY GmbH (BGE TEC) participated in the Waste Management Symposia (WM2026) in Phoenix, USA. With more than 2,500 participants from around 30 countries and over 900 technical presentations and panel discussions, the conference is one of the key international platforms in the field of radioactive waste management.

Colleagues from BGE TECHNOLOGY GmbH contributed in multiple roles, including technical presentations, poster contributions, panel discussions, and the organisation and moderation of conference sessions.

A particular focus was the participation in international panel discussions, including
“IAEA Coordinated Research Project and the Global State of Knowledge on the Deep Borehole Disposal System” and the IAEA Special Session “Going Underground” in a Geological Disposal Program. These sessions addressed key aspects of repository development and implementation as well as international perspectives on geological disposal.

In addition, a technical presentation entitled
“FUNGUS: Result of Fluid Dynamic and Mechanical Investigations of the Contact Zone Between a Magnesia Based Concrete and Salt”
was delivered, focusing on material-related aspects in repository systems.

A poster contribution entitled
“TH-Modeling of the HotBENT Experiment: Coupled Processes in Bentonite Under Extended Thermal Loading up to 200°C”
presented work on the modelling of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes in bentonite.

Beyond these contributions, BGE TEC colleagues were involved in the organisation and moderation of several technical sessions, including topics such as “Geological Disposal of HLW, SNF/UNF and Long-lived Alpha/TRU”, “Recent Developments in Underground Research Laboratory (URL) Activities”, and “Progress on Deep Repository Programs Around the World”.

The symposium also provided important opportunities for professional exchange and the strengthening of international cooperation. Participation in WM2026 highlights the importance of international collaboration in advancing safe and sustainable solutions for radioactive waste disposal. BGE TECHNOLOGY GmbH will continue to actively contribute to this exchange.