Longer interim storage could allow to wait and see

Interim storage of nuclear waste is expected to be broadly used because no solution such as ultimate storage or transmutation seems to take the lead in a near future. The role of interim storage is to confine nuclear waste, evacuate generated heat and protect public and employees. Contrary to ultimate storage it must allow the recovery of nuclear wastes. Two ways of considering interim storage are possible: elaborate casks sheltered in a simple building or simple casks sheltered in an elaborate building. Different solutions ranging into these two ways are reviewed. (A.C.)