Reflections on Reversibility and Retrievability by an 'Intermediate' Stakeholder

This paper explores the struggle, challenges and possibilities related to the intermediate position of Swiss cantons (between national needs and regional concerns) as far as reversibility and retrievability in nuclear waste management are concerned. The author highlights the conflicting goals of retrievability and reversibility whether they are considered in terms of safety or in terms of resource. He discusses the fact that the Swiss disposal concept places a higher value on passive safety, and the implications with respect to the concept of final storage. He comments the roles and responsibilities of the various involved actors, analyses and comments the long-term decision-making process of Swiss site selection, as established by the Federal Office of Energy (BFE). He finally highlights the fact that the R and R (reversibility and retrievability) approach could foster quality assurance