Waste Management Options in Europe

The European Union currently produces 31% of its electricity from nuclear fission. It represents an important factor in maintaining European competitiveness and the security of energy supply. As revealed by recent public opinion surveys, the perception of nuclear energy in Europe is becoming more positive, and is directly linked to the solutions adopted for the treatment and final disposal of nuclear wastes. In Europe, several strategies are being implemented, namely the fuel recycling, and the direct disposal of the irradiated fuel elements. Both strategies, however, need the deep-geological disposal technology for either the glass packages or the fuel elements. Concrete projects are being implemented in several European countries, with the most advanced being in Finland and Sweden. The situation in Europe will be described.