INTERNATIONAL SAFEGUARDS FOR FINAL DISPOSAL OF SPENT FUEL Problems and Perspectives

Spent fuel elements from nuclear power stations might be directly emplaccd in geological formations. In the Federal Republic of Germany, the Gorleben salt dome is being explored with regard to its suitability for direct final disposal. Direct final disposal of spent nuclear fuel is a novel problem for IAEA Safeguards. The nuclear material will not be accessible for verification. No retrieval is intended. In the repository, the emphasis will necessarily be put on containment and surveillance measures. It is obvious that the basic safeguards approach according to INFCIRC/153 will not be applicable for direct final disposal. The present paper discusses safeguardsspecific aspects of the currently planned Gorleben repository, and describes possible conceptual elements of a safeguards system for the International Atomic Energy Agency. Diversion aspects are discussed and the necessity for R & D is pointed out.