Climate Change Impacts on Nuclear Waste Management: Insights from Belgium and Recommendations for Future Research

Abstract

Climate evolution over millennial timescales significantly influences various environmental aspects, including thermal conditions, regional sea levels, geomorphological evolution, weathering processes, and hydrogeological evolution. This intricate relationship has direct implications for nuclear waste management facilities, as climate change alters the frequency and intensity of extreme events, posing risks during construction, operation, and post-closure phases. Understanding these impacts is crucial for ensuring safety and to building civil society's confidence in radioactive waste management programes. This contribution centers on Belgian scenarios. SCK CEN, with extensive experience in studying climate change impacts on nuclear waste management, shares its insights from projects such as BIOCLIM, BIOMOSA, and EURAD. The Belgian case, with its diverse climate regions, offers valuable data applicable to other countries facing similar climate challenges. For example, SCK CEN's involvement in EURAD - UMAN has already prompted recommendations for managing uncertainties in the geosphere, particularly in climatic evolution. Key areas of focus could include validating permafrost depth models, modeling hydrochemical changes resulting from permafrost development, conducting detailed palaeo-hydrological studies, and considering the influence of decompaction on host rock properties. This study serves as a critical resource for understanding and addressing climate-related challenges in nuclear waste management, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange.