Oct 16, 2025
Tunneling sector enhances collaboration on waste storage facilities.
The International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency, has established a special interest group aimed at helping member states understand the technical and safety requirements for developing geological disposal facilities.
On September 26, representatives from the IAEA, led by Olena Mykolaichuk, met in Vienna with members of the ITA to discuss future collaboration on geological disposal facilities for high-activity radioactive waste.
This partnership builds on recent IAEA efforts, supported by the ITA, resulting in a draft publication focused on managing the underground access transition for geological disposal facilities, coordinated by Gerald Nieder-Westermann from the IAEA. This draft is under review at the IAEA.
The ITA has created a dedicated special interest group in collaboration with the IAEA to enhance industry understanding of geological disposal facility requirements. This initiative aims to equip Member States with the necessary knowledge and technical support for building and maintaining the underground infrastructure essential for safe radioactive waste disposal.
The ITA stated, "This work will support bridging the gap between safety case and engineering realities, emphasizing the necessity of engaging with the tunnelling and underground construction community."
ITA President Andrea Pigorini expressed that this initiative is a significant chance to leverage global expertise in underground engineering for critical challenges. He affirmed their commitment to providing underground knowledge to develop solutions that protect future generations.
The ITA initiative will encourage international knowledge sharing, advocate best practices in underground construction, and support repository designs for future needs. Arnold Dix, a former ITA president, has been appointed Chair of this new initiative.
The ITA remains dedicated to advancing safe underground solutions and looks forward to partnering with the IAEA to support the global community in successfully developing geological disposal facilities.
Founded in 1974 by nineteen nations, the ITA aims to lead and promote sustainable and innovative uses of underground space. The organization includes 81 member nations and 300 corporate or individual affiliate members.
A geological disposal facility contains a system of engineered underground vaults and tunnels designed for the permanent disposal of high-activity radioactive waste, ensuring that harmful radiation does not reach the surface environment. Countries like Finland, Sweden, France, Canada, the UK, and the USA are pursuing this approach.
On September 26, representatives from the IAEA, led by Olena Mykolaichuk, met in Vienna with members of the ITA to discuss future collaboration on geological disposal facilities for high-activity radioactive waste.
This partnership builds on recent IAEA efforts, supported by the ITA, resulting in a draft publication focused on managing the underground access transition for geological disposal facilities, coordinated by Gerald Nieder-Westermann from the IAEA. This draft is under review at the IAEA.
The ITA has created a dedicated special interest group in collaboration with the IAEA to enhance industry understanding of geological disposal facility requirements. This initiative aims to equip Member States with the necessary knowledge and technical support for building and maintaining the underground infrastructure essential for safe radioactive waste disposal.
The ITA stated, "This work will support bridging the gap between safety case and engineering realities, emphasizing the necessity of engaging with the tunnelling and underground construction community."
ITA President Andrea Pigorini expressed that this initiative is a significant chance to leverage global expertise in underground engineering for critical challenges. He affirmed their commitment to providing underground knowledge to develop solutions that protect future generations.
The ITA initiative will encourage international knowledge sharing, advocate best practices in underground construction, and support repository designs for future needs. Arnold Dix, a former ITA president, has been appointed Chair of this new initiative.
The ITA remains dedicated to advancing safe underground solutions and looks forward to partnering with the IAEA to support the global community in successfully developing geological disposal facilities.
Founded in 1974 by nineteen nations, the ITA aims to lead and promote sustainable and innovative uses of underground space. The organization includes 81 member nations and 300 corporate or individual affiliate members.
A geological disposal facility contains a system of engineered underground vaults and tunnels designed for the permanent disposal of high-activity radioactive waste, ensuring that harmful radiation does not reach the surface environment. Countries like Finland, Sweden, France, Canada, the UK, and the USA are pursuing this approach.