On 25 September 2024, representatives of the National Research Institute (NRI) from the Department of Engineering Geology and Shallow Geothermics took part in an event on radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel management.

Conference organisers

The meeting was co-organised by the Nuclear Energy Department of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the International Cooperation Center of the Japan Atomic Industry Forum.

Representatives of PGI-PIB from the Department of Engineering Geology and Shallow Geothermal Energy. From left: Edyta Majer, Monika Szabłowska i Malwina Judkowiak

The main objective of the event was to exchange the experiences of Poland and Japan in the aforementioned subject area. Representatives shared their knowledge from: the Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd (JNFL), which is involved in the production of nuclear fuel, processing and storage of radioactive waste, The Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Japan (NUMO), which is involved in the implementation of safe disposal of radioactive waste, and on behalf of the organiser JICC – Japan Atomic Industrial Forum (JAIF) International Cooperation Center, which is a private organisation involved in the promotion of activities related to nuclear in the broadest sense.

Participants in the panel discussion from the Japanese side. From the right: Mr. Uzuki Toda (JICC), Mr. Ryoichi Hojo (JNFL), Mr. Yoshito Kitagawa (Numo), Mr. Takayuki Kawamura (METI)

Representatives from the Department of Nuclear Energy of the Ministry of Industry and the Nuclear Waste Utilisation Plant gave a speech on radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel management in Poland. They also pointed out the great need to look for a location for a new surface radioactive waste repository in connection with the development of nuclear power in Poland and plans to close the National Radioactive Waste Repository in Różan.

The presentations also addressed issues related to cost, public acceptance and dissemination of knowledge on effective and safe radioactive waste management.

Conference participants

Text: Malwina Judkowiak
Photos: Edyta Majer, Monika Szabłowska, Malwina Judkowiak