* See glossary page 34 Sweden In 2022, Sweden authorised the construction of a geological repository (granite rock) in Östhammar for spent fuel, with operations planned to start between 2030 and 2035. Sweden also has a centralised disposal facility on the Forsmark site, devoted to LLW/ILW-SL waste. For LLW/ILW-LL waste, Sweden is envisaging a specific geological repository. Canada A spent fuel* repository* project has been studied since 2007. Two sites in Ontario were pre-selected in 2019. The final choice should be made in 2024. The construction permit application is expected in 2029 with construction planned to begin in 2033 with commissioning as of 2043. For LLW/ILW-LL waste, a geological repository at a depth of 600 m is envisaged close to the Bruce NPP. A sub-surface repository is also being studied for low level waste from the research activities conducted at the Chalk River national laboratory. These two projects have not however been approved by the local populations. The consultation processes are ongoing. United States The spent fuel geological repository project on the Yucca Mountain site (Nevada), which has been studied since the 1980s, was abandoned in 2011 for political reasons, notably as a result of strong local opposition. The search for a new site has begun, but none has so far been selected. In-situ dry storage* of the spent fuel is so far the preferred management method. The United States also has a geological repository, the WIPP, located in New Mexico, for transuranic waste from defence programmes (disposal in a layer of salt at a depth of about 650 metres). Civil LLW/ ILW waste is disposed of in near surface facilities. Ghana Ghana has an advanced project for disposal of used sources in pits (depth of 150 metres) with the technical support of the American and Canadian safety regulators. Two pits were constructed for testing purposes. The safety file was reviewed by the IAEA* in 2019 and the creation authorisation application is currently being examined by the authorities. Spain Spain envisages creating a geological repository site for HLW waste. Candidate sites should be selected in 2032. The country has surface and near surface disposal facilities for VLL and LLW/ILW waste on the El Cabril site. The concepts used in these facilities are similar to those employed in France (Cires and CSA). 26 • Les cahiers de l’ASN • May 2024 THE CHALLENGES FOR TOMORROW
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