Progress on the safety case for geological disposal of high level radioactive waste

Safety case for high level radioactive waste geological disposal is a systematic analysis of the long term safety of the repository. The concept of safety case and its development in the past 20 years are discussed. The importance in the stages of planning, site selection, design, construction, operation, closure and postclosure of high level radioactive waste disposal facility are emphasized. Based on the technical documents of NEA and IAEA, the background, objectives, safety policy, foundation, safety assessment and system integration of the safety case are described. Twelve key points of management and technology in its application are given. The research work in Finland, Sweden, the United States and France are reviewed. Finally, suggestions on development and application of safety case in China are given. (authors)