// Waste Management Strategies and Methods, Disposal Technology and Specialpurpose Machines

ELBRock

Entwicklung von Endlagerbehälterkonzepten für die geologische Tiefenlagerung von hochradioaktiven Abfällen in kristallinem Wirtsgestein

As part of the ELBRock project, up to three repository container concepts for crystalline host rock are to be developed. The first step in the ELBRock project involves compiling the necessary boundary conditions and influencing factors for the subsequent development of repository container concepts. To achieve this, the geological properties of crystalline host rock were initially determined, and an overview of the radioactive waste inventory to be disposed of in Germany was created. Subsequently, the international state of science and technology regarding disposal in crystalline host rock was summarized. This includes descriptions of existing container and repository concepts, emplacement techniques, conditioning processes, and potential repository container materials.  

Building on this foundation, the requirements for and impacts on repository containers are determined. To enable a transparent evaluation of both existing and new container concepts, a criteria catalog is developed. Following this, the evaluation of existing container concepts based on German boundary conditions and requirements, as well as the development of new ideas for repository container concepts, can begin. From this process, up to three container concepts will be selected and further refined.  

In parallel, the basic principles for assessing operational and long-term safety within the framework of a safety and verification concept will be developed.