Geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste is neither theoretical nor unrealistic. With proven facilities in Sweden and licensed projects in Finland, deep geological disposal is technically feasible today, even on a scale comparable to several Seikan Tunnels.

2016-03-16

The following continues from the previous section.

When visiting the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory in Sweden, which conducts research on geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste, one can see a fully established method in which such waste is sealed in robust containers called casks and buried at a depth of 450 meters underground.

Spiral tunnels have been constructed that allow large trailers carrying casks to reach deep underground.

The total length of tunnels required to dispose of all high-level radioactive waste in Japan through deep geological disposal would amount to several Seikan Tunnels.
With current technology, this is entirely feasible.

Moreover, in Finland, which Mr. Koizumi visited, on November 12 of last year the Ministry of Employment and the Economy granted a construction license for a spent fuel deep geological disposal facility being developed at Olkiluoto by Posiva Oy, the implementing body for final disposal.

The total project cost is approximately 3 billion euros (about 400 billion yen).
Geological disposal is steadily moving forward.

Mr. Koizumi refuses to look at any of these facts.

To be continued.