Book Description

Radioactive waste is mainly a result of the production of electricity in nuclear power plants or the use of radioactive materials for medical, research, industrial and agricultural purposes. Due to the radiological properties of radioactive waste and the potential hazard it poses, it is important to ensure safe management of radioactive waste. EU Council Directive 2011/70/Euratom establishes a Community framework for the responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste to avoid imposing undue burdens on future generations. This Directive requires among other things that Member States: - have a national policy; - draw up and implement National Programmes for the management, including the disposal, of all spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste generated on their territory; - provide cost assessments for spent fuel and radioactive waste management in their National Programmes, including assumptions used and profile over time; - have in place financing mechanisms to ensure that adequate funds are available. This study assesses the methodologies in use for cost assessment, the financing schemes in place and the relationship between them. It is based on the data available and the results of surveying Member States. It identifies common trends, good practices and challenges for all Member States. It then defines possible tools that can contribute to building common ground among Member States in the analysis of the cost assessment in the field of radioactive waste and spent fuel management. This includes a comprehensive structure of activities and cost items, and relevant Cost Assessment Indicators (CAIs).