As of now, Finland is the only country that officially licenses a deep geological repository for the permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level waste, which is expected to operate in 2023. And Sweden would probably follow the suit in the near future.
What about SNF of other countries that are being stored either in spent fuel pools or dry casks?
In the long run, would they also be disposed of in the geological repository after obtaining the public's consent? Could new technological breakthroughs be developed that will handle SNF and high-level waste more economically and safely? Or is it too early to think of other options?
There is an international consensus that deep geological disposal on land is the most appropriate means for isolating permanently the high-level waste and spent fuel from man's environment.
Additional options include: disposal in geological formations under the deep ocean floor, disposal on the ocean floor, disposal in glaciated areas, extraterrestrial disposal, and destruction by nuclear transmutation.
The extended storage, at production sites or in a centralized store, may be considered in principle an acceptable waste management strategy, provided it is not supposed to be perpetuated for longer than feasible and safe and is to be replaced by a more permanent solution at a later date.
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