There are a range of disposal concepts and types of disposal facilities planned or currently operating around the world. These can be arranged into three broad categories: surface, near-surface and deep geological repositories.
Circle Nuclear Consulting have excellent knowledge of different storage and disposal concepts for intermediate and low level waste, high level waste, spent fuel, plutonium and uranium.
We have extensive experience of developing design solutions and disposal concepts which include the complete disposal system from the underground vault and tunnel design to the surface layout including the waste receipt and handling facilities, utilities and supporting transport infrastructure.
Examples of the engineering designs include:
- Development and maintenance of the 2010, 2013 and 2016 UK geological disposal facility designs
- Development of near-surface storage and disposal facility for intermediate and low level waste in Norway
- Development of intermediate and low level waste surface storage and disposal facility for the National l Radioactive Waste Management Facility (NRWMF) in Australia
These projects have included development of construction, operation and closure programmes. We have also been responsible for studies to identify the manpower and skills required to design, characterise, construct, operate and close a geological disposal facility.
In addition, we have been responsible for the management of engineering design projects for spent fuel canister manufacturing, encapsulation and surface interim storage facilities.
We have built up extensive knowledge of a wide range of international programmes and can provide international learning and experience to add value. Recent examples include reviewing waste management disposal facilities in other countries to identify potential added value which could be used in the UK as part the community and stakeholder engagement to support the siting process. A comparison was also undertaken between the UK and France Cigeo design to identify potential learning.