How will Norway deal with radioactive waste in the future? The amount of radioactive waste is expected to increase in the future and it is crucial that the waste is handled in a way that is safe, secure and prudent. Norway's first strategy for dealing with radioactive waste has now been put forward.
“Radioactive waste from a number of sectors must receive good management solutions going forward, and it is crucial that this is done in a way that does not harm human health or the environment,” said Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Minister of Climate and Environment, in connection with the presentation.
Mainly today's radioactive waste comes from the construction industry, hospitals, research and educational institutions, oil and gas industry, mining and other process industries. In the years to come, much radioactive waste will come from the clean-up after Norwegian nuclear activities at the facilities of the Department of Energy Engineering (IFE) at Kjelleri Lillestrøm and Halden.
“This strategy will be useful for all actors who generate, store or handle radioactive waste, and also for decision-makers in the private and public sectors,” the Minister for Climate and Environment continues.
“NND is very appreciative of the fact that a comprehensive strategy has now been developed for handling radioactive waste in Norway. The strategy will be very useful in our upcoming work on the decommissioning of the Norwegian historic nuclear facilities,” says Martin Andreasson, Director of Sector Communications at NND.
Common to all radioactive waste management is that management must be in line with national regulations and international obligations. The safe and secure handling of the waste means that people and the environment should be protected from the harmful effects of the waste and that the waste should be adequately physically protected against unwanted actions. Responsible handling means that the safety of the environment and humans must be maintained to an acceptable level at all stages of management.
With the strategy, Norway follows up on the recommendation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 2019 to have a strategy for dealing with radioactive waste.
You can read the full strategy on the Government's website
