Nuclear Waste Management Market Case Study and Top Companies

The global nuclear waste management market size reached USD 4.87 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to surpass USD 5.87 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 1.72% from 2024 to 2034.

Nuclear energy production and development contribute to energy diversity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Safe disposal of nuclear waste involves containment storage and processing, reducing radiation hazards and environmental contamination. Volume reduction methods and reprocessing of spent fuel contribute to the growth of the nuclear waste management market.

Order your copy of the Nuclear Waste Management Market Report, 2024 - 2034, published by Precedence Research.

Nuclear Waste Management Market Companies

• Augean Plc
• Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc.
• Svensk K?rnbr?nslehantering AB
• Ansaldo Energia
• Republic Services, Inc.
• Veolia Environmental Services
• Bechtel Corporation
• EnergySolutions
• BHI Energy
• Waste Control Specialists, LLC

Recent Developments

• In February 2024, Orano SA, a multinational nuclear fuel cycle company, announced a partnership with SHINE Technologies to develop a U.S. pilot plant with commercial-scale technology for recycling used nuclear fuel from light water reactors. The recovered nuclear material can be made into new fuel for advanced and existing reactor designs, and certain critical isotopes can be used for medical and industrial purposes.
• In July 2024, Oklo Inc, a fast fission clean power technology and nuclear fuel recycling company, announced the successful completion of the first end-to-end demonstration of the key stages of its advanced fuel recycling process, in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory.
• In November 2022, Argonne was awarded $6 million to develop technologies for recycling nuclear fuel. The funding was awarded through the Converting UNF Radioisotopes Into Energy (CURIE) program, which focuses on recycling used nuclear fuel (UNF).

Case Study: Nuclear Waste Management - Finland’s Onkalo Deep Geological Repository

Introduction

Nuclear waste management is a critical issue in the nuclear energy sector, given the long-lived radioactive materials produced in nuclear reactors. One of the most notable efforts to address this challenge is Finland's Onkalo Deep Geological Repository project, which is pioneering a permanent storage solution for high-level radioactive waste. This case study will examine Finland’s approach, highlighting the technology, regulatory framework, public acceptance, and lessons learned.

Background

Nuclear energy is a major component of Finland’s energy strategy, generating about 30% of the country's electricity. However, managing the highly radioactive waste produced from nuclear reactors poses significant challenges. High-level nuclear waste remains hazardous for tens of thousands of years, requiring long-term containment strategies. Finland's nuclear waste is managed by Posiva Oy, a company responsible for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel.

The Onkalo Project

Onkalo is the world’s first deep geological repository for high-level nuclear waste. Located near the Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant in southwestern Finland, this underground facility is designed to store radioactive waste at a depth of 400-450 meters, embedded in bedrock estimated to be 1.8 billion years old.

Key Features

1. Geological Selection: The choice of the location was based on the stability of the bedrock and its ability to contain radiation for extended periods without leakage.
2. Multi-barrier System: The design employs multiple layers of protection to prevent radioactive material from reaching the biosphere. This includes: Copper Canisters: Waste is stored in sealed copper canisters, which resist corrosion for thousands of years. Bentonite Clay: Surrounding the canisters, this material swells when in contact with water, sealing any cracks and preventing water from flowing through. Bedrock: The natural barrier of ancient, stable bedrock is the final layer of defense, expected to isolate waste for up to 100,000 years.
3. Long-term Monitoring: Although designed for passive safety without human intervention, the facility will be monitored for several decades after it is sealed, ensuring the system functions as intended.

Regulatory Framework

Finland’s regulatory framework for nuclear waste management is governed by the Nuclear Energy Act of 1987, which mandates the safe disposal of nuclear waste within Finland’s borders. The act ensures a transparent and scientifically rigorous process. The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) plays a crucial role in overseeing and approving the waste disposal plans, ensuring safety over the entire lifecycle of the facility.

Public Engagement and Acceptance

Public trust is vital for the success of such a long-term project. Finland has worked to build public acceptance through transparent communication and involvement of local communities in decision-making processes.

1. Public Participation: Local communities, particularly the municipality of Eurajoki where Onkalo is located, were involved in discussions from the early stages. Posiva and the government provided detailed information and allowed local voices to influence the decision-making process.
2. Trust and Transparency: Trust was built through decades of transparent research and clear communication about the project’s safety features. Long-term public engagement ensured that local residents felt confident in the safety measures in place.

Challenges and Solutions

1. Technical Uncertainties: One of the biggest challenges in deep geological storage is ensuring that the repository can withstand geological events, such as earthquakes, or prevent water from reaching the canisters. Finland’s solution lies in its selection of a geologically stable site and the use of multiple barriers.
2. Regulatory and Approval Delays: Regulatory hurdles and safety assessments lengthened the timeline of the Onkalo project. However, the thoroughness of these assessments has increased public and governmental confidence in the project.
3. Long-Term Management: Given the extremely long timeframes involved (up to 100,000 years), the challenge is ensuring future generations are aware of the repository. The project includes plans for markers and records that will inform future generations of the site's purpose, though no active maintenance is required after closure.

International Implications and Lessons Learned

The Onkalo project serves as a model for other countries struggling to manage nuclear waste. Countries like Sweden, Canada, and the USA have studied Onkalo’s design and Finland’s approach to public engagement. Lessons learned include the importance of:

• Long-term Planning: A focus on a multi-generational approach is crucial.
• Community Involvement: Public acceptance hinges on transparent processes and meaningful engagement.
• Scientific Rigor: Detailed geological studies and safety testing build trust and regulatory approval.

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