Comparing the Geological Disposal of Carbon Dioxide and Radioactive Waste in Western Europe

The current status of and prospects for the geological disposal of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and radioactive waste (RW) are assessed for Western Europe by focusing on three large countries: Germany, France and the UK. The relative importance of the associated electricity generation technologies (coal-based and nuclear generation) varies across countries but extensive efforts are under way to explore the feasibility of and available capacities for disposing of the resulting waste. Suitable geological formations seem to be available for both CO₂ and RW disposal in all three of these countries. The main thrust of the disposal for both waste products is on national solutions despite many research projects coordinated by the European Union, and economic and energy collaboration. Research into RW disposal has a much longer history than CO₂ disposal. Yet there are learning opportunities in many areas, ranging from geology and risk assessment to regulation and liability, as well as in public information and participation in decision making, particularly with regard to site selection. Despite well-established (RW) and emerging (CO2) European Union and international standards and regulatory principles, there are marked ­differences in the disposal strategies for CO₂ and RW in the three countries.