An industry conference is underway in Manchester to discuss proposals on developing a geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste in the UK.

Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) is hosting the two-day event which will bring together around 80 stakeholders including government officials, regulators, industry experts and academics.

The organisation will provide updates on two government-led consultations which examine how RWM might work with communities to identify a site and how planning permission for a GDF should be assessed.

RWM representatives will outline progress being made on a screening exercise to provide the public with information about the geology of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This will help communities decide in due course if they would be interested in hosting a GDF in their area.

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Bruce McKirdy, Managing Director of RWM said: "RWM is the UK organisation responsible for geological disposal. Building strong relationships is a fundamental part of our work, ensuring that everything we do is informed by the expertise and experience that exists both in the UK and internationally. We expect the conference will provide valuable feedback and input to our programme, helping to develop a common understanding of the way ahead."

A GDF involves creating a highly engineered structure consisting of multiple barriers to store radioactive waste deep inside a suitable rock volume, ensuring no harmful quantities of radioactivity ever reach the surface environment.

It is recognised as the safest and most secure means of permanently managing higher-activity waste, Countries including Finland, Sweden, Canada and the USA are also exploring the technique.

(LM)