Progress of research and development on high-level radioactive waste geologic disposal in Japan

High-level radioactive waste from nuclear power generation will be disposed in a stable geological environment with a depth of more than 300 m. JNC has been consistently assigned to lead R and D on geologic disposal in Japan and compiled the achievement into H 12 report in 1999. H 12 gave a comprehensive assessment of the technical feasibility and reliability of the disposal concept in Japan with a generic manner, which provided the technical basis for Japanese HLW disposal program to move from the phase of generic R and D into the implementation phase. In the stage of implementation, JNC, with other relevant research organizations, is assigned to continue basic R and D for further improving the technical reliabilities of geological disposal in Japan. (author)