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Can deep boreholes solve America׳s nuclear waste problem?

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  • Bates, E.A.
  • Driscoll, M.J.
  • Lester, R.K.
  • Arnold, B.W.

Abstract

The United States is in need of a new and more adaptive long-term strategy for spent nuclear fuel. In this communication, we outline the fundamental reasons why deep borehole disposal should receive more detailed investigation, alongside traditional shallow mined repositories. This potential solution is supported by advancing drilling technologies and an improving understanding of extremely long fluid residence times in deep bedrock. Radionuclide isolation is supported by verifiable and stable geologic barriers such as long transport distances to aquifers, low permeability, and reducing chemical conditions. The modular nature of implementing deep borehole disposal could offer unique programmatic and economic advantages. Experience with a pilot borehole program will be required to confirm the feasibility of drilling and emplacement operations, and key chemical and hydraulic conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Bates, E.A. & Driscoll, M.J. & Lester, R.K. & Arnold, B.W., 2014. "Can deep boreholes solve America׳s nuclear waste problem?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 186-189.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:72:y:2014:i:c:p:186-189
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2014.03.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. McDonald, Alan & Schrattenholzer, Leo, 2001. "Learning rates for energy technologies," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 29(4), pages 255-261, March.
    2. Frank von Hippel & Rodney Ewing & Richard Garwin & Allison Macfarlane, 2012. "Time to bury plutonium," Nature, Nature, vol. 485(7397), pages 167-168, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Richard A. Muller & Stefan Finsterle & John Grimsich & Rod Baltzer & Elizabeth A. Muller & James W. Rector & Joe Payer & John Apps, 2019. "Disposal of High-Level Nuclear Waste in Deep Horizontal Drillholes," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-28, May.
    2. Stefan Finsterle & Richard A. Muller & John Grimsich & Ethan A. Bates & John Midgley, 2021. "Post-Closure Safety Analysis of Nuclear Waste Disposal in Deep Vertical Boreholes," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-24, October.
    3. Stefan Finsterle & Richard A. Muller & John Grimsich & John Apps & Rod Baltzer, 2020. "Post-Closure Safety Calculations for the Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel in a Generic Horizontal Drillhole Repository," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-31, May.
    4. Nicholas Charles Collier & Neil Brennan Milestone & Karl Patrick Travis, 2019. "A Review of Potential Cementing Systems for Sealing and Support Matrices in Deep Borehole Disposal of Radioactive Waste," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-15, June.

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