Galson Sciences and it’s parnters Empresarios Agrupanos and Orano Projets have been awarded a framework contract to develop disposal solutions for spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste in Norway. Under the framework agreement, the consortium will further develop the Deep Borehole Disposal (DBD) concept for high-level radioactive waste in Norway, informing the selection of radioactive waste storage and disposal concepts by Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning (NND). NND is responsible for decommissioning Norwegian research reactors and related nuclear infrastructure, as well as the safe handling, storage and disposal of radioactive waste. The contract will run for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of two one-year extensions.
Deep Borehole Disposal (DBD) is a technique that seals nuclear waste up to 5 km below the Earth’s surface and has the potential of providing a safe, and viable solution to disposing of high-level radioactive waste. The main objectives of the framework are to assess a range of DBD options and assist with planning for the siting stage, leading to a sound basis for further development and implementation of the chosen disposal concept.
The consortium includes as partners Galson Sciences Limited, Empresarios Agrupados and Orano Projets, as well as sub-contractors Technip Energies, The University of Sheffield, COWI and Marriott Drilling Group. The team encompasses cutting-edge research, consultancy, engineering, implementation and technology provider expertise in deep drilling and borehole disposal of radioactive wastes, as well as mined geological disposal, coupled with world-leading operating experience of spent fuel management facilities.