The government approves a schedule for a deep geological repository, required for nuclear projects and compliance with EU requirements

On Friday, the government approved a memorandum committing to a schedule of measures to align Romania’s strategic nuclear projects with European sustainability requirements. The document addresses, among other issues, the safe management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste at national level.

One of the main commitments is to operationalize, by 2050, a deep geological repository for high-level radioactive waste. The national strategy currently sets 2055 as the target year for this objective, creating a five-year gap compared with European requirements.

Through the approved schedule, the Executive aims to eliminate this gap and avoid delays in the European Commission’s assessment of nuclear projects. The measure is relevant to the continuation and implementation of strategic investments in the sector, including those developed by Nuclearelectrica.

The government warns that the lack of a commitment and a credible plan to meet the European deadline could delay project approvals and affect their implementation and commissioning schedules. The memorandum thus establishes the course of action for the long-term and safe management of radioactive waste.