Reliable methods for estimating the cost of a radioactive waste disposal programme are crucial to ensure that the necessary funding for completing the disposal programme is available. Estimating the cost for disposal is, however, a challenging and complex task. Disposal programmes themselves are complex and long term undertakings, and conditions can be expected to change significantly over the time span during which a disposal programme is developed and implemented. This publication provides Member States with information on developing cost estimates for a disposal programme and establishing funding mechanisms. It will help readers in becoming informed clients by familiarizing themselves with the approaches and complexities in cost estimates and funding mechanisms for disposal. The publication is applicable to all waste categories and both near surface and geological disposal. It contains relevant examples and case studies from national programmes. The cost figures are intended to give an indication of the possible cost of certain parts or aspects of the disposal programme rather than to compare different disposal programmes’ costs.

• 1. introduction
  • 1.1. Background
  • 1.2. Objective
  • 1.3. Scope
  • 1.4. Structure
• 2. WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY, STRATEGIES AND OPTIONS
  • 2.1. Policy
    • 2.1.1. Basis for legal and regulatory framework
    • 2.1.2. Definition and allocation of roles
    • 2.1.3. Basis for waste management programme development
    • 2.1.4. Adequate allocation of financial and human resources
    • 2.1.5. Public confidence enhancement
  • 2.2. Strategies
    • 2.2.1. Radioactive waste inventory
    • 2.2.2. Legal and regulatory framework
    • 2.2.3. Institutional framework
    • 2.2.4. Stakeholder expectations
  • 2.3. Waste disposal options
    • 2.3.1. Trenches
    • 2.3.2. Engineered structures
    • 2.3.3. Disposal facilities at intermediate depth
    • 2.3.4. Geological disposal facility
    • 2.3.5. Borehole disposal facility
• 3. COST ESTIMATE METHOD
• 4. WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE OF THE DISPOSAL PROGRAMME
  • 4.1. Disposal programme management
  • 4.2. Stakeholder involvement
    • 4.2.1. Regulatory authorities
    • 4.2.2. Local communities
    • 4.2.3. Waste producers
    • 4.2.4. Other stakeholders
  • 4.3. Disposal system development
    • 4.3.1. Process initiation
    • 4.3.2. Siting and authorization for construction
    • 4.3.3. Ongoing science and engineering during project implementation
  • 4.4. Disposal implementation
    • 4.4.1. Non-nuclear surface facilities
    • 4.4.2. Radiologically controlled surface facilities
    • 4.4.3. Waste transport and transfer
    • 4.4.4. Disposal facilities
    • 4.4.5. Access facilities to underground repository
• 5. COST ASSESSMENT OF THE WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE
  • 5.1. Cost database
    • 5.1.1. Historical data and cost normalization
    • 5.1.2. Cost categories
    • 5.1.3. Quality assurance and traceability
  • 5.2. Data sources and cost examples of a waste disposal programme
    • 5.2.1. Disposal programme management
    • 5.2.2. Stakeholder involvement
    • 5.2.3. Disposal system development
    • 5.2.4. Disposal implementation
• 6. RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
  • 6.1. Identification of risks and uncertainties
    • 6.1.1. Disposal programme management
    • 6.1.2. Stakeholder involvement
    • 6.1.3. Disposal system development
    • 6.1.4. Disposal implementation
  • 6.2. Sensitivity and scenario analysis
  • 6.3. Risk management
  • 6.4. Provisions
    • 6.4.1. Contingencies for in-scope uncertainties
    • 6.4.2. Provisions for risks
• 7. FUNDING THE DISPOSAL PROGRAMME
  • 7.1. Funding sources and mechanisms
    • 7.1.1. Waste producers
    • 7.1.2. The State
  • 7.2. Contribution plan
    • 7.2.1. Target fund value
    • 7.2.2. Contribution schedule
  • 7.3. Fund management
    • 7.3.1. Fund ownership
    • 7.3.2. Investment strategy
• 8. CONCLUSIONS
• REFERENCES
• Annex PURCHASING POWER PARITIES
• ABBREVIATIONS
• CONTRIBUTORS TO DRAFTING AND REVIEW