The aim of Beacon is to develop the understanding of fundamental processes that lead to material homogenisation, as well as to improve capabilities for numerical modelling. In earlier assessments of bentonite EBS, the mechanical interaction between the installed bentonite components has been neglected and an “ideal” final state has generally been assumed. Key features of the project are (1) re-evaluation of the available knowledge to extract the crucial data to compile the qualitative and quantitative data and to enhance the conceptual understanding. (2) Enhanced, robust and practical numerical tools based on a good scientific understanding, which have the expected predictive capabilities regarding the evolution of engineered barriers and seals. (3) A developed database with experimental data needed by the quantitative models. (4) Verified calculation tools based on experimental results in different scales. The Beacon project is required for the pan-European objectives at building confidence amongst regulators and stakeholders regarding the performance of the engineered barriers in a geological repository.
In early 2022 the Swedish government took a decision to allow the construction of a repository for spent nuclear fuel at the Forsmark nuclear power plant. This chapter describes the long process that preceded the decision and started in the 1970s. Both the siting of the repository and the case made for its long-term safety has seen controversies. In particular, there has been a science-based debate on the long-term safety of using copper as a material for encapsulation of the spent nuclear fuel. The government’s decision relied on claims from the industry and the nuclear regulator that the Swedish KBS multi-barrier concept could still be safe enough. Whether this view will survive the coming decade until the repository will be ready for operation remains to be seen.
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