EGD research helps address the need for secure disposal of the high-level radioactive waste produced from nuclear power generation (and weapons production). After making key contributions to the research and licensing activities for the proposed Yucca Mountain repository in Nevada, our scientists are now leading research and technology development to enable long-term waste disposal in other host-rock environments, such as shale, salt rock, and crystalline rock, and alternative repository designs.

All countries face the challenge of determining which barriers can provide safe disposal options over thousands to millions of years. EGD researchers coordinate collaboration between DOE’s disposal research program and various waste disposal research and implementation organizations, such as their involvement in the DECOVALEX project and Mont Terri Partnership.