The EBS demonstration programme at SKB - some examples

SKB has been conducting research in the area of nuclear waste disposal in underground environment since the early 1980's. The early tests were conducted in the Stripa mine and in the late 1990's the first full scale tests of EBS installations were carried out in Aspo HRL that was built for the purpose of performing repository research and EBS development. This article focuses on lessons learned concerning the practical aspect of the EBS installation procedures. Specific practical issues as well as how the gained knowledge can be used in the continued. EBS design and optimisation are addressed. The article focuses on the workshop topic 'Confirmation of industrial scale feasibility emplacement of EBS components' but also addresses the topics: - demonstrations of compliance with specifications for emplaced EBS components; - demonstrations/examples of the EBS optimisation process; - identification of remaining key issues and uncertainties to be addressed in the next design optimisation cycle in relation to the scope of the envisaged safety case; - need for (re)assessment of repository and EBS design at later stages of development. (author)