R&D Program

R&D Program

In Japan, R&D program on geological disposal started in 1970s. The technical basis for the safe implementation of the geological disposal project has been established.
NUMO is responsible for the development of technologies aimed at safe implementation of geological disposal in a cost-effective and efficient manner, while fundamental R&D organizations such as Japan Atomic Energy Agency are responsible for geoscientific research, improving the reliability of geological disposal technologies and improving safety assessment methodologies using underground research laboratories and other research facilities.
Technologies for the implementation of the project have made steady progress in the following areas since NUMO’s establishment:
(1) Technologies that allow more realistic investigation /design /safety assessment
(2) Practical technologies for systematic site selection
(3) Technologies that allow response to a range of geological environments during investigation design / safety assessment
NUMO will continue to develop technologies and integrate the results of both NUMO and fundamental R&D organizations to establish systematic technologies required for the project.