IAEA Regional Workshop on Very Low Level and Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal

From 26 to 30 January 2026, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) organised the Regional Workshop on Concepts and Designs for Very Low Level and Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal at its headquarters in Vienna. The workshop brought together more than 50 experts from 37 countries across Asia and Europe. 

The aim of the workshop was to strengthen the capabilities of participating member states to identify viable disposal concept options and to establish an iterative planning process for fit-for-purpose disposal systems for very low level radioactive waste (VLLW) and low-level radioactive waste (LLW). The programme combined expert lectures with case studies and a practical exercise, addressing the adaptation of disposal concepts to national frameworks, including regulatory requirements, waste inventories and site selection considerations. 

Three national case studies formed part of the programme: Canada presented experience from the Near Surface Disposal Facility Project at Chalk River Laboratories; Lithuania contributed a case study on VLLW disposal; and France presented the Andra CSA facility, addressing safety case development, construction methods, materials and design choices. The case studies provided participants with concrete examples of national approaches at different stages of implementation. 

Dr. Victoria Burlaka participated in the workshop on behalf of BGE TECHNOLOGY GmbH (BGE TEC) and contributed to the technical exchange. A follow-up workshop for more advanced participants is planned for a future date. 

The workshop demonstrated the extent to which international exchange supports the development of technically sound and nationally appropriate disposal solutions for shorter-lived and lower-activity waste streams, in line with IAEA safety standards and requirements.