Radioactive waste: the Cigeo project enters a crucial new phase

Management of the most radioactive waste from France's nuclear power plants is advancing apace. The Cigeo project, designed to bury this highly hazardous waste 500 meters underground in the Meuse region of France, has reached a crucial new stage in its development.

Share:

Stockage déchets nucléaires français avance

The French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) and the Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) have judged the data provided by the French National Radioactive Waste Management Agency (Andra) to be sufficient to continue investigating the case. This initial positive assessment confirms the soundness of the work Andra has been carrying out for 30 years on this controversial but essential project.
In particular, the experts praised the quality of the geotechnical and hydrogeological analyses carried out on the Bure site in the Meuse region, which was selected as the site for the underground storage facilities following in-depth studies. This instruction follows a decision by the French Constitutional Council in 2023.

Significant progress, but challenges remain

While ASN considers the geotechnical and hydrogeological analyses to be generally satisfactory, the nuclear watchdog stresses the need to take greater account of the potential impact of climate change on above-ground facilities. What’s more, the test program planned for the industrial pilot phase, which is crucial for validating the final technical aspects, has yet to be fully detailed.
IRSN also points to the need for further studies to ensure that Cigeo can effectively accommodate waste from future new-generation nuclear reactors planned by the French government, such as the EPR2. For the time being, only the capacity to store waste from the current fleet and the 6 planned EPR2s has been confirmed.

Timetable takes shape despite challenges

Towards the beginning of 2025, the ASN and IRSN, which will then be merged into a single entity, will give their opinion on Cigeo’s operational safety, a crucial point for the project’s continuation. This new assessment will mark a decisive step forward, enabling Andra to envisage the start of construction work in 2027.
Commissioning of the storage facility for the least radioactive waste (long-lived intermediate-level waste) is scheduled for 2035-2040. On the other hand, the disposal of high-level waste, which is more complex to implement, would not take place until 2080-2090 according to the current schedule.
Despite the major technical challenges still to be met and the protests of some members of civil society, Andra is confident in the measures already taken to ensure maximum safety for this unprecedented project, which is essential for the long-term management of the most dangerous nuclear waste produced in France.

Bahrain has concluded a civil nuclear agreement with the United States and formalised a commitment of $17bn in public investments in the US market, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Kairos Power has installed the vessel for its third test prototype in Oak Ridge, aiming to validate manufacturing methods for its future Hermes reactor supported by the US Department of Energy.
London and Prague formalise a strategic partnership to develop the nuclear sector, focusing on small modular reactors and industrial cooperation on supply chains.
Experts have broadly approved France’s Cigéo deep nuclear waste repository project, highlighting technical uncertainties that demand stronger guarantees for long-term safety.
Uzbekistan advances its nuclear project by signing a protocol with Hungary for the supply and local assembly of dry cooling systems, expanding its industrial partnerships in the region.
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe is asking the European Commission to review its $49bn investment to build Poland’s first nuclear power plant, a step required under the Euratom Treaty before any construction permit can be issued.
The International Atomic Energy Agency mission completed on July 11 warns that the National Nuclear Safety Administration must hire staff to oversee a fleet of 59 reactors in operation and 32 more under construction.
Energoatom signed strategic agreements with Westinghouse and Holtec at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, aiming to establish nuclear fuel production and small modular reactor capabilities in the country.
Tehran agrees to reopen its nuclear facilities to the IAEA, aiming to resume negotiations with Washington, while Moscow pushes for a “zero enrichment” agreement without getting involved in supervision.
TerraPower has selected three new American suppliers for its advanced Natrium nuclear reactor, confirming progress on the project located in Kemmerer, Wyoming, intended to replace a retiring coal-fired power plant.
Energy Exploration Technologies acquires Daytona Lithium, an Australian subsidiary of Pantera Lithium, for AUD40mn ($27mn), bringing its strategic lithium basin footprint in Smackover, USA to nearly 50,000 acres.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has identified no major barriers to licensing the ARC-100 reactor, announces ARC Clean Technology.
SE Ignalina, the Lithuanian nuclear operator, has signed a memorandum of understanding with French firm Newcleo to explore the integration of small modular reactors (SMRs) using lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology in Lithuania.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi oversaw the signing of new agreements for the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, thus strengthening the strategic cooperation between Egypt and Russia.
Vistra Corp receives green light to extend Perry nuclear plant operations in Ohio by 20 years, securing regional electricity supply until 2046 and ensuring operational continuity for all its nuclear reactors in the United States.
EDF will hold a 12.5% stake in the Sizewell C nuclear project in the UK, a €1.3 billion investment announced during Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to London, confirming the strategic nuclear energy alignment between the two countries.
The French Cigéo project, designed to bury the most hazardous radioactive waste deep underground, obtains a crucial technical validation before its final authorization, expected by the end of 2027.
EDF confirms the continuation of its industrial project in Fessenheim for recycling very low-level radioactive metals, a first in France requiring specific regulatory authorizations, following a public debate concluded last February.
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. formalizes its collaboration with UrAmerica Ltd. to strengthen Argentina’s uranium supply, aiming to secure future nuclear fuel supply chains for the U.S. market.
American companies SHINE Technologies and Standard Nuclear partner to recycle uranium and plutonium, supplying advanced fuel to the nuclear reactor sector and enhancing the national energy security of the United States.