From Concept Development to Disposal: Austria's Path to a Safe Repository

In 2018, Austria published its National Programme for the Management of Radioactive Waste. In accordance with this program the federal government established the Austrian Board for Radioactive Waste Management (Advisory Board) to address and coordinate tasks and activities for the transparent implementation of the program.

Since the National Programme included only a rough timeline depicting the process of disposal of radioactive waste the need for a more precise outlined timetable and roadmap including milestones for the disposal of radioactive waste produced in Austria was given. In collaboration with authors from the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) the Advisory Board developed a detailed timetable and roadmap, considering especially the specific Austrian situation of being a small inventory state with a radioactive waste inventory consisting of low and intermediate level waste.

In addition, the public opinion in Austria is shaped by a critical point of view regarding nuclear issues, including the disposal of radioactive waste. Early and comprehensive engagement of the public contributes significantly to the success of such a project. For this reason, public participation that goes beyond processes legally required was taken into account at every phase of the timetable and roadmap. 

The newly created timetable and roadmap starts from scratch, without any predefined guidelines or decisions regarding the type of repository, site selection criteria, and site selection process. Accordingly a timetable has been developed depicting significant phases as well as key milestones considering the disposal of radioactive waste but was designed to be generic and suitable for the different repositories considered.

The roadmap is divided into four phases:

Phase 1: Concepts for Disposal

This phase began with the publication of the National Programme in 2018 and continues until the disposal law comes into force. In this phase, key decisions are made, such as the type of repository, site criteria and safety criteria, and the specific site selection process.

Phase 2: Site Search and Selection

This phase includes the multi-stage site selection process. By the end of this phase, the safety case should be demonstrated, and a site should be selected.

Phase 3: Construction

In this phase, detailed planning is completed, the environmental impact assessment is conducted, and the repository is constructed.

Phase 4: Operation and Decommissioning

The repository is put into operation with the emplacement of radioactive waste and subsequently sealed. After a period of post-closure monitoring, this phase ends with the final decommissioning of the repository.

The planned guideline is conceived as a living document and should be seen as a framework that outlines the essential milestones and must be adapted to the final decision. In autumn 2024, the Advisory Board recommended the outlined roadmap to the Federal Government of Austria. Since the essential steps will be included in the revision of the National Programme for the Management of Radioactive Waste (planned in 2025), the path is set for their future implementation.