International Conference on Geological Repositories (ICGR): Advancing Geological Repositories from Concept to Operation

Worldwide consensus exists within the international community that geological repositories provide the necessary long-term safety and security to isolate long-lived waste from the human environment over extended timescales. It is also feasible to construct these repositories using current technologies. However, providing the technical merits and safety of repositories, challenges remain in many countries, including building and maintaining public confidence, availability of skilled staff as well as transfer of information and expertise. The involvement of the younger generation is also often challenging, but crucial for the sustainable development of geological disposal.

Building upon the success of previous conferences held in Denver (1999), Stockholm (2003), Berne (2007), Toronto (2012) and Paris (2016), the sixth ICGR brings together high-level decision makers from responsible government ministries, regulatory bodies, waste management organisations, research institutes and local stakeholders, as well as young professionals and students to review current perspectives of geological repository development. The sixth ICGR on advancing geological repositories from concept to operation is designed to show the significant progress in developing geological repositories over the last two decades by:

• Promoting the sharing of information and experience;
• Discussing various best practices in demonstrating technical reliability;
• Sharing approaches in building human capacity and building stakeholders’ confidence in the safe construction and operation of long-term geological repositories.