Geological disposal site studies generate data on the qualities and suitability of bedrock for an intended purpose, such as selecting a site for a nuclear plant, a plant waste storage facility, a final disposal location for used nuclear fuel, or a rock storage facility for hydrogen.
By verifying the characteristics of the area, the intended plant can be implemented safely and without endangering people or the environment, while also considering the characteristics of the plant (including nuclear power plants, final disposal facilities, and gas storage facilities in bedrock).
The different stages of a disposal site study involve compiling previously produced material and producing new necessary geological data. In addition to suitability assessments and design and construction work, the resulting dataset serves as reference material for assessing environmental impacts, provides support for site monitoring, and forms the basis for a continuously updated safety analysis. The scientific research material meets the requirements set by the authorities and lays a foundation for the successful implementation of the project.
Geological site studies ensure that the bedrock is suitable for the intended purpose.
Geological disposal site studies are also carried out at locations that are not associated with nuclear energy, such as sites planned for storing hydrogen in bedrock. When investigating sites intended for different purposes, consideration is given to situation-specific features, such as long-term requirements for the bedrock conditions in the final disposal of spent nuclear fuel or operational challenges related to hydrogen gas in the rock storage of hydrogen. GTK also offers services for planning the monitoring of bedrock throughout the operating period.
Geological disposal site studies are drawn up according to the customer’s needs. As a rule, the service covers the following areas:
Geological disposal site studies carried out either during site selection or at a previously selected site involve surveys of the bedrock, soil, and groundwater conditions. The surveys are planned in accordance with the safety requirements set for the project and existing information.
If there are multiple candidate sites, the surveys are conducted in phases and the results are compared at each phase. The core principle is that unsuitable site candidates are dropped one by one, and the most promising sites will be studied in increasing detail.
Geological disposal site studies offer a cost-efficient way to guarantee that the sites selected for the final selection process fulfil the geological criteria set for the site. Other areas to be considered in the site selection include the constructability of the area and estimated construction costs, which is why the gathered initial data must be extensive enough to be used as a basis for the provisional design of the plant, as well.
After a site is selected and approved by officials, detailed site investigations are needed for permit processes, safety assessments, and the planning and use of the plant. Geological surveys are typically conducted in various scales, starting from a general survey of the area and gradually focusing in on the actual construction site.
For nuclear power plant sites, the geological surveys end when construction begins. However, at nuclear waste disposal sites, geological information is gathered and analysed throughout the plant’s operation. The goal is to assess the suitability of the intended bedrock for disposal purposes, to steer planning and construction, and to ensure that the excavated space is used as efficiently as possible.
Replacing fossil fuels with alternative solutions, such as the hydrogen economy and nuclear energy, reduces climate emissions. The energy transition requires an increase in the use of hydrogen, which can only be achieved through rock storage. GTK’s experts contribute to the development of safe geological rock storage of hydrogen.
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