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  5. NEA-METI International Workshop on Joint Utilization of Underground Research Laboratories for Research and Development Projects Held

NEA-METI International Workshop on Joint Utilization of Underground Research Laboratories for Research and Development Projects Held

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November 24, 2022

Energy and Environment Policy

From November 1 to 3, the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy and the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) held the International Workshop on Joint Utilization of Underground Research Laboratories for Research and Development of Geological Repositories. In the workshop, the direction of international cooperation related to research and development utilizing underground research laboratories was discussed through presentations of the current situation of research and development in each country, a site visit to the Horonobe Underground Research Center, and panel discussions.

1. Outline of the event

Date:

November 1 (Tue.) to 3 (Thu.-Public Holiday), 2022

Organizers:

Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, OECD/NEA

Venue:

Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) Horonobe Underground Research Center (Horonobe Town, Hokkaido)
Surfeel Hotel Wakkanai (Wakkanai City, Hokkaido)

Participating organizations:

[Japan]

Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, Horonobe Town, JAEA, Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Japan (NUMO), Radioactive Waste Management Funding and Research Center, Central Research Institute of the Electric Power Industry

[Participating organizations from other countries]

OECD/NEA, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), European Commission (EC), Sweden (SKB*1), Switzerland (NAGRA*1), France (ANDRA*1), Germany (BGE*1), South Korea (KORAD*2), the United Kingdom (BGS*3), the United States (DOE*4).
 
*1. The implementer of geological disposal in each country
*2. Korea Radioactive Waste Agency
*3. British Geological Survey
*4. United States Department of Energy

2. Details of the discussions

The workshop was held as a forum for discussions for specifying efforts to strengthen the international cooperation through R&D as proposed in the report by the International Roundtable on the Final Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel*5.

The three-day workshop included a tour of the Horonobe Underground Research Center with an overview of its planned joint international research projects and an exchange of information on research related to potential international cooperation. There were also panel and group discussions on the ideal conditions for countries in the initial stage of R&D of geological repositories, and cooperation systems between developing countries that are utilizing underground research laboratories. In addition, the participants reemphasized the importance of building partnership for international cooperation utilizing underground research laboratories and other facilities in each country.

The OECD NEA will incorporate the results of discussions in its revision of the report, “Underground Research Laboratories ”*6 released in 2013.

）
Opening remarks (Mr. Nonomura Hitoshi, Mayor of Horonobe Town)
Tour of Horonobe Underground Research Center
Panel discussion

Group discussion

Related Links

Division in Charge

Radioactive Waste Management Policy Division, Electricity Infrastructure Division, Electricity and Gas Industry Department, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy