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What is the Expected Lifespan of a DGR?
The expected lifespan of our Deep Geological Repository (DGR) is designed to span multiple generations, keeping in line with our philosophy of long-term management and resource utilization rather than abandonment. Here’s how our approach stands out:
Long-Term Management:
- Indefinite Operational Phase: Unlike traditional DGR concepts that envision a closure or abandonment phase, our DGR in Labrador is designed to remain operational indefinitely. This allows for continuous oversight, monitoring, and adaptability to emerging technologies and societal needs.
- Resource Preservation: By not sealing off the DGR, we preserve the option for future generations to leverage the stored used nuclear fuel either as an energy resource or for other beneficial applications that may emerge through R&D.
Multi-Generational Engagement:
- Sustainability Planning: We have integrated financial and operational sustainability into our business model to ensure that the facility can continue to be effectively managed and maintained by future generations.
- Intergenerational Equity: Our approach to DGR management respects the principle of intergenerational equity, ensuring that the resource remains accessible and manageable, so future generations can make their own decisions about its use.
Research & Development:
- Dynamic Facility: Our DGR doubles as a research facility that will help develop more effective methods of reutilizing, recycling, or reducing the volume of used nuclear fuel, thereby increasing its value as a resource.
- Adaptability: The design of the DGR incorporates the flexibility to adapt to new technologies and methods, ensuring that it stays at the forefront of scientific and engineering advancements.
Operational Resilience:
- Robust Design: The DGR is built to withstand a range of natural and human-induced challenges, from seismic activity to climate change, ensuring its integrity for an indefinite period.
- Continuous Monitoring: State-of-the-art monitoring technologies are implemented for real-time assessment of both the stored materials and the surrounding environment, providing data that aids in long-term management.
By adopting this long-term, multi-generational approach, our DGR is not just a storage solution but a continually evolving facility that is designed to meet both current and future needs, while upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental protection.