Collaboration Between the IAEA and ITA on Radioactive Waste Disposal
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association ITA) met in Vienna at the end of September 2025 to explore a future collaboration in the development of Geological Disposal Facilities (GDFs) for higher activity radioactive waste.
This cooperation builds on IAEA’s recent work, developed with substantial support from the ITA, that resulted in a draft publication, which is currently in the publication process at the IAEA.
From left: Gerald Nieder-Westermann, IAEA waste disposal specialist; Andrea Pigorini, ITA president; Karina Lange, IAEA scientific secretary for the underground research facilities network, Daniel Garbutt, ITA representative; Helen Roth, ITA executive director; Arnold Dix, ITA past president and chair of the ITA special interest group; Stefan Joerg Mayer, IAEA team lead radioactive waste disposal
Credit/Quelle: ITA
Underground Infrastructure for Safe Disposal
Recognising the need for waste management organisations to integrate safety considerations with the realities of underground construction, the ITA tries to work together with the IAEA to support addressing this challenge.
In close cooperation with the IAEA the ITA has launched a dedicated special interest group, established to help the industry better understand the specific requirements of GDF development. Through this initiative, both organisations will provide member states with the knowledge and technical support to effectively deliver and maintain the underground infrastructure for the safe disposal of radioactive waste. ITA Past President Arnold Dix will serve as chair of the new initiative.
“One of the Most Critical Tasks of Our Time”
“For ITA, this initiative represents a significant opportunity to contribute our global expertise in underground engineering to one of the most critical and enduring tasks of our time.” said Andrea Pigorini, President of ITA.
The IAEA publication that forms the foundation for this collaboration, highlights the critical stage when programs move from surface investigations to underground access, requiring close integration of scientific, technical and sociopolitical considerations. This work will support bridging the gap between safety case and engineering realities, underlining the importance of engaging with the tunnelling and underground construction community.
