PRESENTATION
PROJECT OBJECTIVES :
In view of
the feasibility of deep geological disposal of high level radioactive waste
(such as spent fuel or vitrified waste) and with a focus on technology, the
general aims of the ESDRED Project are the following:
- To promote a common European vision in terms of radioactive waste disposal
technology applicable to various repository designs
- To fabricate and test prototypes of technologies for waste emplacement,
for backfilling and for sealing of disposal cells or drifts
As shown
in the sketch below, the specific topics of ESDRED are developed in 4 technical
modules, each lead by one of the partners :
- Module # 1 Buffer Construction Activity : ONDRAF/NIRAS (Belgium) ,
- Module # 2 Waste Canister Transfer and Emplacement Technology : DBE TECHNOLOGY
(Germany)
- Module # 3 Heavy Load Emplacement Technology : SKB (Sweden)
- Module # 4 Low pH Cement for Shotcrete and Sealing Plug Construction Technology
: ENRESA (Spain)
The retrievability issue permeates these activities, notably in Modules # 2 and # 3.
Andra is in charge of the general coordination, integration and management of ESDRED activities including training & communication activities.
A special programme
involving the training of engineers and the transfer of technologies, especially
intended for the new Members States of the European Union, will be proposed
throughout the project, primarily in the form of secondment opportunities
and/or seminars.
Moreover, the
following specific actions will be carried out towards the scientific community
and other stakeholders:
- ESDRED progress and results will be extensively communicated through publications
and presentations at international conferences.
- presentations, courses and visits, adapted to the targeted audience, will
be made available for inclusion in the teaching curriculum of technological
and engineering universities or training organisations and to stakeholders
committees.
Key numbers & data :
Start date : February 2004 Project duration : 5 years
Total budget : EUR 18.7 million of which EUR 7.3 million from the 6th Euratom Framework Programme for nuclear research and training (2002-2006) of the European Union
Histogram of module budgets (K Euros) :
