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Review of the IAEA Meeting on Waste Package Design and Disposal Strategies

International exchange on advances in waste container design for various host rocks and inventories

Transfer process and radiological inspection of waste containers arriving at the Konrad repository (Source BGE)

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Picture of the meeting participants

From June 10 to 13, 2025, a hybrid meeting organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was held at the information centre of the French waste management organisation ANDRA in Bure, France. The meeting focused on the design of waste containers for intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste, as well as the corresponding disposal strategies in different countries.

Waste packages are essential technical barriers for the safe containment of radioactive waste during both the operational and post-closure phases of a repository. Their design is based on repository-specific waste acceptance criteria (WAC) derived from safety analyses. Technologies for waste conditioning and packaging are highly developed, and waste producers and conditioners are responsible for preparing suitable container specifications that comply with national regulations, transport requirements, interim storage conditions, and the WAC.

The meeting provided a platform for international exchange on advancements in the development of waste containers for various host rocks and waste inventories. A key focus was on the French disposal project CIGÉO, while Canadian and Belgian projects were also highlighted as advanced examples of repository projects for high-level waste disposal (HLW).

Likewise, a particular highlight of the meeting was the presentation by our colleague Dr. Andree Lommerzheim titled: “Disposal concept and LLW-ILW canister design for the Konrad DGR in Germany.” In his presentation, Dr. Lommerzheim introduced the disposal concept and the design of waste packages for Germany's Konrad repository. This repository serves as an example of the challenges and solutions associated with a deep geological repository in clay host rock. He detailed the methodology for deriving technical assumptions and their implementation in waste package design. 

Dr. Lommerzheim’s presentation, along with the discussions during the meeting, underscored the importance of close international collaboration in developing safe and sustainable solutions for the disposal of radioactive waste.