LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT OF CANADA’S USED NUCLEAR FUEL

Chantal GreenJune 13

TERM MANAGEMENT OF CANADA’S USED NUCLEAR FUEL

Chantal GreenJune 13th, 2009

1. NWMO Background

2. Current Used Fuel Storage

PRESENTATION AGENDA

2. Current Used Fuel Storage

3. APM – Technical Program

4. APM – Management Program

5. NWMO current work towards a site selection process

PRESENTATION AGENDA

5. NWMO current work towards a site selection process

NWMO VISION AND MISSION

VisionThe long-term management of Canada’s nuclear waste

in a manner that safeguards people and respects in a manner that safeguards people and respects now and in the future.

MissionThe purpose of NWMO is to develop and implement collaboratively with

Canadians a management approach for the longused nuclear fuel that is socially acceptable, technically sound,

environmentally responsible and economically feasible.environmentally responsible and economically feasible.

NWMO VISION AND MISSION

Visionterm management of Canada’s nuclear waste

in a manner that safeguards people and respects the environment, in a manner that safeguards people and respects the environment, and in the future.

MissionThe purpose of NWMO is to develop and implement collaboratively with

Canadians a management approach for the long-term care of Canada’s used nuclear fuel that is socially acceptable, technically sound,

environmentally responsible and economically feasible.environmentally responsible and economically feasible.

BACKGROUND

2002: Nuclear Fuel Waste Act enacted by Parliament; Nuclear energy corporations establish NWMOenergy corporations establish NWMO

2002 – 2005: NWMO study engaged more than 18,000 citizens and specialists and 2,500 Aboriginal people in every province and territory; 50,000 visit www.nwmo.ca.

2007: Government selected Adaptive Phased Management (APM) approach; NWMO to implement

BACKGROUND-NWMO

energy corporations establish NWMOenergy corporations establish NWMO

: NWMO study engaged

people in every province and territory;

Adaptive

WHAT CANADIANS TOLD US

Safety and security, for people & environment now and into the future is top priority

Approach must be fair to current and future generations

This generation must take action nowgenerations

Approach must be adaptableto make improvements based on new knowledge or changing societal prioritieschanging societal priorities

WHAT CANADIANS TOLD US

, for people & environment now and into

to current and future generations

take action now: we owe it to future

adaptable: allow succeeding generations to make improvements based on new knowledge or

NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE IN CANADA

Ontario Quebec

New Brunswick

Port Hope, OntarioPeterborough, Ontario

NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE IN CANADA

Blind River, Ontario

Saskatchewan

Blind River, Ontario

Port Hope, Ontario

CANADA’S USED NUCLEAR FUEL

•Over 2 million fuel bundles safely stored; approx. 4 million projected by 2035 from existing nuclear facilities.

•Currently stored on an interim basis at 7 •Currently stored on an interim basis at 7 licensed nuclear reactor facilities

•Excellent storage safety record

•The radioactivity of used nuclear fuel reduces with time, but it remains a potential essentially

CANDU fuel bundle~ 20 kg natural uranium dioxide (UO2)~ 0.5 m length~ 1 million kWh ~ 100 homes for a year

CANADA’S USED NUCLEAR FUEL

Over 2 million fuel bundles safely stored; approx. 4 million projected by 2035 from existing nuclear facilities.

Currently stored on an interim basis at 7 Currently stored on an interim basis at 7 licensed nuclear reactor facilities

•Ontario: 90%•Quebec: 5%•New Brunswick: 5%

Excellent storage safety record

The radioactivity of used nuclear fuel reduces with time, but it remains a potential hazardessentially indefinitely

INTERIM USED FUEL STORAGE SITES IN CANADA

INTERIM USED FUEL STORAGE SITES IN CANADA

REACTOR SITES• Used nuclear fuel initially very hot and highly radioactive

• Stored in water pools in reactor buildings for cooling and shielding

• Pool water is kept separate from other water.

• Water pool capacity is 15 to 20 years of reactor production

• After 7-10 years, usedcontainers

REACTOR SITESUsed nuclear fuel initially very hot and highly radioactive

Stored in water pools in reactor buildings for cooling and

Pool water is kept separate from other water.

Water pool capacity is 15 to 20 years of reactor production

10 years, used fuel is transferred to dry storage containers – designed for 50 years of storage

CANDU Fuel Age (years)(out-of-reactor)

Heat Output(watts)

0 28,000

1 73

10 5

100 1

INTERIM USED FUEL MANAGEMENT IN ONTARIO

Used fuel storage at Ontario Power Generation’s Western Waste Management Facility

INTERIM USED FUEL MANAGEMENT IN ONTARIO

A Technical Method

ADAPTIVE PHASED MANAGEMENTPlan proposed by NWMO and approved by Federal

government June 2007

A Technical Method A Management System

ADAPTIVE PHASED MANAGEMENTPlan proposed by NWMO and approved by Federal

government June 2007

A Management System

ADAPTIVE PHASED MANAGEMENT

A Technical Method

Centralized containment and isolation of used nuclear fuel in deep geological repository

Continuous monitoring

Potential for retrievability

Optional step of shallow underground storage

A Technical Method

ADAPTIVE PHASED MANAGEMENT

A Management SystemFlexibility in pace and manner of implementation

Phased and adaptive decision-making

Responsive to advances in technology, research, Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge, societal values

Open, inclusive, fair siting process - seek informed, willing host community

Public engagement and site

A Management System

Public engagement and site selection focused in 4 nuclear provinces (NB, ON, QC, SK)

IMPLEMENTATION OF APMIMPLEMENTATION OF APM

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

High technology, national infrastructure projectInvestment of $16-24 billionOperated as centre of expertiseProvides skilled employment for thousands over

many decades

Isolates used fuel in repository in suitable geologic formation

Multi-barrier system2 km x 3 km surface area (600 hectares)Approx. 500 meters below groundUsed fuel is monitored and retrievable

Highly regulated – strict scientific, and technical criteria assure safety

Long term partnership between NWMO, community community

Ensure community well -being

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Provides skilled employment for thousands over

strict scientific, and technical

CONCEPT: MULTI-BARRIER SYSTEM

Deep and low-permeability rock mass

Ceramic used fuel

BARRIER SYSTEM

permeability rock mass

Long-lived container

Clay seals

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NATURAL ANALOGUE CIGAR LAKE URANIUM ORE

Uranium deposit: approx. 1.3 billion years old, about 400 meters

NATURAL ANALOGUE → CIGAR LAKE URANIUM ORE

about 400 meters deep, 100,000 tones Uranium

CONTAINER DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS

Example Design:

• Length: 3.9 m

• Width: 1.2 m

• Capacity: 324 used fuel bundles

• Mass: 24 Mg (loaded)

• Corrosion barrier: 25 mm copper

• Structural support: 80 mm carbon steel

• Max. design temperature: 100°C

• Max. design pressure: 45 MPa

• Design life > 100,000 years

CONTAINER DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS

Structural support: 80 mm carbon steel

FOR HIGH LEVEL WASTECountry National Decision Repository Target In Service DateFinland Geological Repository 2020: Site selected

Sweden Geological Repository 2020: Site selected

USA Geological Repository 2021??

France Geological Repository 2025

Germany Geological Repository 2030

Japan Geological Repository 2030

Switzerland Geological Repository 2040

UK Geological Repository Siting started: Three communities interested

Canada Geological Repository 2035 earliest

Belgium No decision R&D

Spain No decision R&D

FOR HIGH LEVEL WASTERepository Target In Service Date2020: Site selected

2020: Site selected

2021?? - Review panel being formed

2025

2030

2030

2040

Siting started: Three communities interested

2035 earliest

R&D

R&D

NWMO TECHNICAL RESEARCH PROGRAMResearch program focuses on developing a repository in crystalline and sedimentary rock:

Repository Engineering

Geoscience

Safety AssessmentSafety Assessment

Assessment of alternative / emerging technologies:Reprocessing, partitioning and transmutation; Very deep boreholes

International Cooperation:Co-operation agreements: Sweden, Finland, Switzerland and France

Participation in Underground Research Laboratories in Sweden (Terri)

Participation in International working groups and task forcesParticipation in International working groups and task forces

Peer review of NWMO’s R&D program:Independent Technical Review Group established in 2008

NWMO TECHNICAL RESEARCH PROGRAMResearch program focuses on developing a repository in crystalline and

Assessment of alternative / emerging technologies:Reprocessing, partitioning and transmutation; Very deep boreholes

operation agreements: Sweden, Finland, Switzerland and France

Participation in Underground Research Laboratories in Sweden (Äspö HRL) and Switzerland (Mont

Participation in International working groups and task forcesParticipation in International working groups and task forces

Independent Technical Review Group established in 2008

SAFETY FEATURESRepository isolated from the environment, human activities and natural events (deep repository (about 500), natural resources)

Effective confinement of used fuel using multiple barriers robust container, high-density sealing material, low

Stable and predictable geological and geochemical environment in the long-term (resilience to natural events such as glaciation and earthquakes)

State-of-the-art design, construction and safety assessment methodologies

Stringent regulatory requirementsStringent regulatory requirements

SAFETY FEATURESRepository isolated from the environment, human activities and

(about 500), low potential for economically exploitable

Effective confinement of used fuel using multiple barriers (waste form, density sealing material, low-permeability rock; stable geochemistry)

Stable and predictable geological and geochemical environment in (resilience to natural events such as glaciation and earthquakes)

art design, construction and safety assessment

REGULATORY OVERSIGHT IN CANADA

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Regulates the life cycle of nuclear(site preparation, construction, operation and decommissioning)and decommissioning)

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

Requires Environmental Assessment before licensing process is initiated

Transport Canada Regulates the transportation of radioactive material

Provincial Agencies Specific regulations (e.g. water quality)

REGULATORY OVERSIGHT IN CANADA

Regulates the life cycle of nuclear facilities (site preparation, construction, operation and decommissioning)and decommissioning)

Requires Environmental Assessment before licensing process is initiated

Regulates the transportation of radioactive material

Specific regulations (e.g. water quality)

Social Research and Dialogue

NWMO works collaboratively with interested organizations & individuals including community groups, NGO’s, researchers, governments.

Founded on ethical principles, citizen values, and clear objectives.

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Social Research and Dialogue

NWMO works collaboratively with interested organizations & individuals including community groups, NGO’s, researchers, governments.

Founded on ethical principles, citizen values, and clear objectives.

Developing approach to ensuring sustainable communities/community wellbeing in siting process; planning for socio-economic impact assessments

Engaging in collaborative research and capacity-building ;

Tracking and understanding citizen expectations and public attitudesexpectations and public attitudes

EXAMPLES OF ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Advertised public information and discussion sessions, open houses

Information briefings on requestInformation briefings on request

Multi-party dialogues as held in 2008

Focused discussions with interested groups:

-youth, Elders, municipal associations, community associations

Dialogue with Aboriginal groups to provide input to Draft Siting Process Proposal

Citizen panels, public attitude research

Web-based surveys, comments, written submissions

EXAMPLES OF ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

dvertised public information and discussion sessions, open houses

Focused discussions with interested groups:

youth, Elders, municipal associations, community associations

Dialogue with Aboriginal groups to provide input to Draft Siting Process Proposal

based surveys, comments, written submissions

PROPOSED SITE SELECTION PROCESS

Key elements of the documentProject description

Principles Principles

Decision-making steps to guide site selection

Criteria to guide safety and ensure community well

Partnership and community support

Role for third party review

Regulatory oversight – Natural Resources Canada, CNSC, CEAA

PROPOSED SITE SELECTION PROCESS

Criteria to guide safety and ensure community well-being

Natural Resources Canada, CNSC,

PRINCIPLES OF THE SITING PROCESS

Key principles to guide the process� Focus on safety

� Informed, willing community� Informed, willing community

� Focus on 4 nuclear provinces

� Communities choose to participate at each step of the process

Proposed additional principles that build on the ab ove and ethical and social framework developed in dialo gue with citizens, e.g.� Inclusiveness of the views of others, including those along possible transportation routes

� Foster long-term community well-being in the host community� Foster long-term community well-being in the host community

� Shared decision-making with potential host community

PRINCIPLES OF THE SITING PROCESS

Key principles to guide the process

Communities choose to participate at each step of the process

Proposed additional principles that build on the ab ove siting principles and ethical and social framework developed in dialo gue with citizens,

Inclusiveness of the views of others, including those along possible transportation routes

being in the host communitybeing in the host community

making with potential host community

Interested community

A community - defined as a political entity such as city, town, village, municipality, region and other municipal structures - which is interested in the siting process.

PRINCIPLES OF THE SITING PROCESS

Includes Aboriginal governments

Includes combination of these

In the case of Crown land and unorganized territory, the provincial government would be considered an “interested community” in consultation with potentially affected Aboriginal peoples.

Willingness

In initial steps, accountable political authority expresses interest on behalf of the community

Ultimately, a compelling demonstration of willingness is required including residents

defined as a political entity such as city, town, village, municipality, region and which is interested in the siting process.

PRINCIPLES OF THE SITING PROCESS

In the case of Crown land and unorganized territory, the provincial government would be considered an “interested community” in consultation with potentially affected Aboriginal peoples.

In initial steps, accountable political authority expresses interest on behalf of the community

Ultimately, a compelling demonstration of willingness is required including residents

TESTING THE SITING PROCESS PROPOSAL

During the 2009 dialogues, the NWMO will ask:

Are the proposed siting principles fair and appropriate

Are the proposed decision-making steps consistent with decision that is fair?

Does the proposed process provide for the kinds of support the participation of communities that may be

What changes, if any, should be made?

What else needs to be considered?

we accurately captured the expectations of citizens for a we accurately captured the expectations of citizens for a process?

TESTING THE SITING PROCESS PROPOSAL

siting principles fair and appropriate?

consistent with selecting a safe site, and making a

the proposed process provide for the kinds of information and tools that are needed to may be interested?

we accurately captured the expectations of citizens for a safe and secure site and a we accurately captured the expectations of citizens for a safe and secure site and a

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