A New Approach For Direct Disposal Of Spent Fuel Into Deep Vertical Boreholes In A Salt Repository

This paper describes the reference concept for the disposal of heat generating radioactive waste in Germany. It also highlights a new approach to reduce efforts for the transport and handling of waste canisters by introducing a new canister type for spent fuel (BSK 3). The objectives and the scope of a corresponding research and development program performed in the context of the 6. European Framework Program will be presented. The entire emplacement process and the technical components will be described and illustrated. The program for the corresponding 1:1-scale demonstration tests and the location of the test site will be explained. Eventually, an outlook on the planned demonstration test will be given. (authors)