NF-Pro: an integrated project on key-processes and their couplings in the near-field of a repository for the geological disposal of vitrified high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel

Since 1984, the European Commission has supported R and D activities related to the management of radioactive waste. Community-supported R and D projects have been funded through the EURATOM programme by means of multi-annual framework programmes. In 2002, the Commission launched the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), which is now in force and which represents a major change compared with previous Community-supported Programmes. In particular, the scope and ambition of research supported within FP6 as well as the average level of funding of individual projects have substantially increased. In addition, the European Commission has introduced two new instruments in the Sixth Framework Programme: - Networks of Excellence (NoEs) aim at progressively integrating the activities of partners through 'virtual' centres of excellence; - Integrated Projects (IPs) are large-scale projects that aim at bringing together a critical mass in research activities focusing on clearly defined scientific and technological objectives. In the Sixth Framework Programme, the Commission has attributed high priority to R and D on the geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel. One of the Integrated Projects that has been accepted for funding as part of the FP6 EURATOM programme is NF-PRO. NF-PRO integrates European research on the near-field of geological repositories for high-level waste disposal. The present paper gives an overview of the scope, objectives and content of NF-PRO and outlines composition of the consortium. Particular emphasis is on the role of modelling in connection with the integration of results from detailed process studies into assessments on the overall performance of the near-field system. (authors)