News item from NEI summarizing siting process for nuclear waste repositories in Sweden, Finland and France.

Historically, electricity generated in Switzerland came exclusively from hydropower without any recourse to fossil fuels, the latter not being available as a natural resource in the country. In the mid 1950's, an interest in the relatively new nuclear energy technology was manifested to cover an increasing electricity demand. In accordance with the general policy concerning the production of electricity, the promotion and use of nuclear energy was left to the initiative of the private sector.

This report was written within the EU-project InSOTEC (www.insotec.eu) which aims to generate a better understanding of the complex interplay between the technical and the social in radioactive waste management and, in particular, in the design and implementation of geological disposal. In a first step 13 countries have been analysed in order to identify prevailing socio-technical challenges.

A summary of nuclear waste management in Finland, including energy use statistics, principles of nuclear waste management, financing, how waste is disposed of, the underground research laboratory, and the authorities involved in nuclear waste management.

A summary of the radioactive waste management program in Germany as of 2013, including the national nuclear energy context; sources, types, and quantities of waste; radioactive waste management policies and programs; research and development; decommissioning and dismantling policies and projects; transport; competent authorities; financing; and public information.