Andra participates in the latest EDRAM meeting in Belgium
International cooperation remains a key driver for advancing radioactive waste management programmes worldwide. This was once again illustrated during the latest EDRAM plenary meeting in Belgium, where Andra joined fellow waste management organisations to exchange experience and visit major Belgian facilities and projects.
The meeting brought together representatives from eleven organisations responsible for the long-term management of radioactive waste around the world. Beyond strategic discussions, participants had the opportunity to visit several Belgian facilities and projects illustrating the country's approach to radioactive waste management.
The programme included a visit to the HADES underground research laboratory, located 225 metres underground and dedicated to geological disposal research, as well as interim radioactive waste storage facilities in Dessel.
Participants also visited the construction site of Belgium's future near-surface disposal facility for short-lived low- and intermediate-level waste, together with the industrial facility manufacturing the concrete caissons that will host the waste packages.
The programme also featured a visit to Tabloo, the visitor and dialogue centre developed around the disposal project, which showcases Belgium's approach to stakeholder engagement and public participation.
These regular exchanges between radioactive waste management organisations provide valuable opportunities to share experience, discuss common challenges and learn from different national programmes. They are particularly relevant at a time when the French geological disposal project Cigéo has entered a major new phase with the launch of the public inquiry on its creation licence application.
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