20-06-06
The annual EDRAM meeting took place in Las Vegas (US) on May 3 - 4, in connection with the "International High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Conference". One of the events at the Conference was an "International and Regional Science and Technology Cooperation Panel", which was able to draw on the experience of the EDRAM members.
The main topic of discussion at the EDRAM meeting was the report on progress and challenges in the national programmes of the EDRAM member countries. The main conclusions are that in several EDRAM countries important programme milestones are envisaged within the next few years. Geological disposal is always the primary choice for radioactive waste management (RWM) - independent of the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel which is still an option in many countries. Societal and economic aspects are becoming more important in the decision-making process. While RWM funds have been established in all EDRAM countries the implementation of geological disposal progresses at different speeds, depending on the programme size and the political boundary conditions. First experiences in Finland, Sweden and the US indicate that the licensing process will introduce new technical challenges.
Others issues considered included advanced nuclear technologies and their consequences for nuclear waste management. It was noted that timely disposal programmes are needed regardless of the technologies employed, e.g. once-through or advanced recycling proposals. The members also had the opportunity to learn about the activities of the ITC School of Underground Waste Storage and Disposal www.itc-school.org ; the School is already supported by several EDRAM members. Prior to the meeting there was a visit to "Yucca Mountain", the recommended geological repository for spent fuel. Participants were given comprehensive information on the status of work on site characterisation.
At the General Assembly, Ken Nash, Vice-president of OPG, Canada, was elected as Chairman for the next two years. A critical assessment of EDRAM?s current objectives and activities and an outlook on the future role of the association was helpful to define the work priorities for the coming years.
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