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2025 Vol.35, Issue 1

Case Study

Case Study of Domestic and International Approaches to Developing a Deep Geological Disposal Plan for Spent Nuclear Fuel in Korea

국내 사용후핵연료 심층처분 방안 개발을 위한 국내외 사례 연구

Inho Lee1
,
Unjang Lee2
,
Yangsoo Song3
,
Taeyoung Kim4
,
Daeheon Jang5
,
Chulmin Ham6
,
Hyemin Park7*
이 인호1
,
이 운장2
,
송 양수3
,
김 태영4
,
장 대헌5
,
함 철민6
,
박 혜민7*
1Staff, Nuclear Engineering Research Group, Orionenc Co. Ltd.
2CEO, Nuclear Engineering Research Group, Orionenc Co. Ltd.
3Managing Director, Nuclear Engineering Research Group, Orionenc Co. Ltd.
4Senior Research Engineer, Nuclear Engineering Research Group, Orionenc Co. Ltd.
5Staff, Nuclear Engineering Research Group, Orionenc Co. Ltd.
6Research Engineer, Nuclear Engineering Research Group, Institute for Basic Science
7Research Director, Nuclear Engineering Research Group, Orionenc Co. Ltd.
1㈜오리온이엔씨 사원
2㈜오리온이엔씨 대표이사
3㈜오리온이엔씨 상무
4㈜오리온이엔씨 차장
5㈜오리온이엔씨 사원
6기초과학연구원 선임연구원
7㈜오리온이엔씨 연구소장
*Corresponding Author
28 February 2025. pp. 1-15
PDF XML Citation
Abstract

With the increasing accumulation of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) in South Korea, establishing a stable disposal method has become essential. This study analyzes international deep geological disposal cases to provide fundamental data for developing a domestic disposal system. The disposal methods and site characteristics of Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, and Canada were compared.The analysis identified three key factors: the quality of buffer and backfill materials, the stability of disposal sites, and the suitability of disposal methods. Finland and Sweden plan to use a combination of KBS-3V and KBS-3H in crystalline rock, while Switzerland utilizes Opalinus Clay in sedimentary rock. Canada is evaluating disposal options for CANDU SNF, applying highly compacted bentonite (HCB) buffer boxes and assessing sedimentary and crystalline rock sites.This study provides essential insights for developing Korea’s deep geological disposal system, emphasizing the need for continuous research on site selection, cost reduction, and material stability, as well as international cooperation.

Keywords
Spent nuclear fuel
Deep geological disposal
Disposal site
Buffer material
Disposal method

국내 사용후핵연료 발생량 증가로 인해 안정적인 처분 방식 마련이 필수적이다. 본 연구에서는 국내외 심층처분 사례를 분석하여 국내 심층처분 시스템 구축을 위한 기초자료를 제공하고자 하였다. 이를 위해 핀란드, 스웨덴, 스위스, 캐나다의 처분 방식과 처분부지 특성을 비교·분석하고, 각국의 처분 전략과 기술적 차이를 검토하였다. 연구 결과, 심층처분 시스템의 주요 고려 요소로 완충재 및 뒤채움재의 품질 건전성, 처분부지의 안전성, 처분 방식의 적절성이 확인되었다. 핀란드와 스웨덴은 결정질암을 기반으로 한 KBS-3V 및 KBS-3H 방식을 병용할 계획이며, 스위스는 Opalinus 점토층을 활용한 퇴적암 처분 개념을 적용하였다. 캐나다는 중수로(CANDU) 사용후핵연료 처분을 고려하여 고밀도 벤토나이트(HCB) 버퍼 박스를 적용한 처분 방안을 연구하고 있으며, 퇴적암과 결정질암을 후보지로 선정하여 평가 중이다. 본 연구는 국내 심층처분 시스템 개발을 위한 기초자료를 제공하며, 국내 실정에 적합한 처분부지 선정, 건설 비용 절감, 완충재 품질 유지 등을 고려한 추가 연구가 필요함을 시사한다. 지속적인 심층처분 선진국과의 협력을 통해 국내에 최적화된 처분 시스템을 구축하는 것이 중요하다.

키워드
사용후핵연료
심층처분
처분부지
완충재
처분 방식
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Information
  • Publisher :Korean Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국암반공학회
  • Journal Title :Tunnel and Underground Space
  • Journal Title(Ko) :터널과 지하공간
  • Volume : 35
  • No :1
  • Pages :1-15
  • Received Date : 2024-12-31
  • Revised Date : 2025-02-10
  • Accepted Date : 2025-02-20
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7474/TUS.2025.35.1.001
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