Organizing committee

COVRA

After the first two national research programmes into geological disposal of radioactive waste in the previous century, the Dutch Parliament requested more involvement of COVRA in this type of research. COVRA therefore coordinated the third national research programme into geological disposal of waste. Since 2018, the research for disposal of waste is financed through COVRA's waste fees. Every decade, COVRA makes safety cases for the evaluation of the national programme made in the framework of the European Directive on radioactive waste management. The recent plans for new nuclear power plants in the Netherlands generate more possibilities for the Dutch government to finance research into disposal of waste.

From around 1995, clay host rocks in the Netherlands are investigated. Paleogene clays are considered in COVRA's research programme due to their presence at suitable disposal depth and lack of potable water in surrounding sandy formations. Drilling activities, borehole measurements, and experimental research are executed by universities and the Geological Survey (part of TNO). All reports with clay related research can be downloaded from COVRA's website. Apart from these national activities, international research activities are co-financed through COVRA's research programme.

NIRAS-ONDRAF

NIRAS-ONDRAF (Belgium's National Agency for Radioactive Waste and Enriched Fissile Materials), founded by law in 1980, is responsible for the safe management of all radioactive waste in Belgium, both now and far into the future.

Its mission includes processing and storing waste, cleaning up and dismantling nuclear facilities that are no longer in service, and developing long‑term disposal solutions through extensive research. NIRAS-ONDRAF also advises the government on policy matters, engages with local communities to build societal support, and ensures that all financial responsibilities follow the principle that the polluter pays. Daily waste handling is performed by its subsidiary Belgoprocess in Dessel, where waste is processed and stored safely as an interim measure. Belgium plans to dispose of low- and intermediate‑level short‑lived waste in surface facilities in Dessel, while high‑level and long‑lived waste will eventually be placed in deep geological disposal, with practical decisions still under study. NIRAS-ONDRAF strives for a sustainable balance that takes safety, scientific and technical expertise, ethical and societal considerations, and financial responsibility into account. Safety is always the highest priority, supported by continuous improvement, transparent communication, collaboration with experts, and strict respect for environmental and workplace standards.