Repository for Storming Nuclear Waste

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has a plan to build a repository in the depth range of 500-1000m for disposal of vitrified high level waste in future. The need of such repository would arise only after 40-50 years. This is because the inventory of radioactive waste generated is small for the current nuclear power programme of the country for which the present interim storage facilities are felt adequate.

A proposal to construct an Underground Research Laboratory (URL) is included in the current Five Year Plan to develop the required indigenous technology, needed for building the repository.

The proposed laboratory is of generic nature. The laboratory would comprise of experimental tunnels, rooms/chambers at depth and would be exclusively used for non-radioactive experiments and applications that would form a scientific basis for the construction of a deep underground repository in future. Such laboratories are also used for development of methodology and technology related to emplacement of solidified waste in the repository.

The above information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and in the Prime Minister’s Office, Shri V. Narayanasamy in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha