Spain’s Achievements in Radioactive Waste Management: An Overview of the Artemis Follow-Up Mission
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently conducted a follow-up mission focusing on Spain’s progress in managing radioactive waste and spent fuel since the initial Artemis mission in October 2018. This review assesses Spain’s advancements in safety measures, management strategies, and overall commitment to addressing challenges in radioactive waste management.
Evaluation Team Composition
The review team comprised five international experts well-versed in nuclear safety and radioactive waste management from countries including Australia, France, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and the UK. Additionally, four IAEA staff members contributed to the mission. This diverse group brought a wealth of experience and perspective, crucial for providing a thorough evaluation of Spain’s practices and protocols.
Collaboration with Spanish Authorities
The follow-up mission was initiated at the request of the Government of Spain, specifically hosted by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (Miteco). The team’s engagements included discussions with the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) and Enresa, Spain’s national radioactive waste management agency. This collaboration underscores Spain’s proactive approach to enhancing its radioactive waste management systems.
Nuclear Landscape in Spain
Spain utilizes nuclear and radiation technologies across multiple sectors, including energy production, medicine, and research. Currently, the country operates seven nuclear power reactors, accounting for approximately 20% of its electricity generation. Meanwhile, three nuclear power plants are permanently shut down and undergoing decommissioning. Most reactor sites are equipped with interim spent fuel storage facilities, while Spain also maintains a dedicated disposal facility for low, intermediate, and very low-level radioactive waste.
Progress on Recommendations
The follow-up mission found that Spain had successfully implemented many recommendations from the initial 2018 Artemis mission. As a result of these efforts, the previously issued recommendations and suggestions were officially closed. François Besnus, the mission team leader, highlighted significant achievements, particularly praising Spain for issuing the 7th national plan for radioactive waste and spent fuel management and devising a new roadmap for developing a deep geological disposal facility.
Key Highlights of Progress
Spain made considerable strides in several key areas, including:
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Establishment of the 7th General Radioactive Waste Plan: This foundational document encapsulates Spain’s strategic approach to long-term radioactive waste management.
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Enhancement of El Cabril Disposal Facility: Improvements were made concerning the capacity to dispose of low and intermediate-level radioactive waste, critical for assuring safety and efficiency.
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New Storage Strategy Development: A fresh strategy was crafted for the storage of spent fuel, special waste, and high-level radioactive waste, ensuring safe and effective management.
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Roadmap for Deep Geological Repository: The development of a detailed roadmap outlines steps for establishing a deep geological repository, essential for long-term waste containment.
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Review of Funding Mechanisms: Regular evaluations of funding for radioactive waste management were established, reinforcing the financial sustainability of waste management programs.
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Knowledge Preservation Strategy: Mechanisms were implemented to maintain and transfer knowledge related to radioactive waste management, preventing loss of expertise.
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R&D Funding Reassessments: Assessments were made regarding research and development funding, tailored to support the step-by-step realization of the Deep Geological Disposal program.
Positive Outcomes and Future Developments
This recent Artemis follow-up mission marks a crucial step in Spain’s journey toward continuous improvement in its radioactive waste management programs, aligning closely with the General Radioactive Waste Plan and the EU radioactive waste directive. Victor Marcos, General Director of Energy Planning and Coordination at Miteco, expressed optimism, noting that all five recommendations and two suggestions from the previous assessment had been closed. The mission also provided valuable observations to guide future developments in Spain’s approach to radioactive waste management.
In essence, the follow-up mission not only reflects Spain’s commitment to enhancing its radioactive waste management strategies but also highlights the importance of international cooperation and expert evaluation in fostering safe and effective nuclear practices. The final report detailing the mission’s findings will be shared with Spanish authorities within three months, paving the way for future improvements and initiatives.