Current status of feasibility study on deep borehole disposal of high level radioactive waste

Internationally, the option of deep borehole disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) has gradually become very much of a new hotspot in the field of R and D work on disposal of HLW in recent years. In this paper the brief history of borehole disposal of radwaste, the concept of deep borehole and the options of disposal of HLW suggested by some countries are stated. The following problems related to deep borehole disposal of HLW are also summarized: the technical basis for deep borehole disposal of HLW, the selection of deep borehole repository site, borehole depth and its diameter, backfill and plug, stability of borehole, retrieval of waste, cost of disposal, performance assessment and safety, standard and guideline. The advantages and shortcoming of the option of deep borehole disposal of HLW in comparison with the option of mined repository disposal of HLW are also discussed in this paper. The preliminary study shows that granite is a favourable rock-type for deep borehole disposal of HLW. At present this option is in the feasibility study stage, but it is of a relatively potential perspective and it is necessary to make a follow-up investigation. (author)