Deep Geologic Repository Concepts for Isolation of Used Fuel in Canada

Abstract

The concept of a deep geologic repository (DGR) for long-term management of CANDU reactor used fuel within the stable plutonic rock of the Canadian Shield was developed by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) between 1978 and 1996. Since 1996, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), formerly Ontario Hydro, has been leading the development of a modified DGR concept, taking into account the 1998 recommendations of the federal Environmental Assessment and Review Panel. This paper discusses progress to date in the development of modified DGR conceptual designs and technologies.