Geological disposal
We’re delivering a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) as the safe, secure, and long-term solution for the most hazardous radioactive waste in the UK. GDFs are internationally recognised by governments, technical experts, and scientists as the best solution for the disposal of our most hazardous radioactive waste.
What is a Geological Disposal Facility?
A GDF involves isolating nuclear waste deep underground in suitable geological formations and placing it in highly engineered vaults and tunnels.
A GDF will be constructed 200 to 1,000 metres below ground or beneath the seabed. At this depth, waste will be protected from natural events like earthquakes and long-term environmental changes such as future ice ages or sea level rises.
The facility works by using a multi-barrier approach in which engineered and natural barriers work together to contain and isolate the UK’s most hazardous radioactive waste, keeping it safe and secure over the many thousands of years it will take for the radioactivity to naturally reduce.
The UK’s nuclear legacy
We have benefitted from a world-leading nuclear sector in the UK for many decades.
The use of nuclear technology creates waste materials, which can be harmful and need to be disposed of securely and responsibly for the long term.
Leading scientists across the globe agree a GDF is the best solution for disposing of the most hazardous nuclear waste for the long term.
Investing in a GDF now offers a permanent solution and removes the need for ongoing human intervention for future generations.
Safeguarding the environment
A GDF will be one of the UK’s largest environmental protection programmes. It will ensure the costs and burden of having to keep waste safe and secure in above ground storage facilities for many thousands of years are removed.
It also supports the drive for energy security and climate change commitments by enabling new nuclear energy.
A GDF in the UK: working with communities
The programme to build a GDF in the UK is unique in that it requires explicit community support to go ahead. NWS is here to make sure people have access to the information they need to make an informed decision. There are currently three communities across England who are engaging in the programme to learn what hosting a GDF could mean for them. Other communities can join the process, if the site and geology are suitable.
GDF programme updates
GDFs around the world
Finland is already building its GDF called Onkalo, which will begin to receive waste from this year (2024). Sweden, France, Canada and Switzerland are some of the other countries that are developing GDFs.
NWS engages with international GDF programmes, through collaborative research and knowledge exchange, including visits to the Onkalo GDF in Finland and underground research laboratories in France and Sweden. These activities enable us to learn from, and promote, best international practice to make nuclear waste permanently safe, sooner.
