SKB also submits a programme once every three years to the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority. The Programme is called the RD&D Programme (in Swedish: Fud-program), which is an abbreviation of Research, Development and Demonstration. The RD&D programme is reviewed by the authority and approved by the government.
Natural science research
The aim of our scientific research is to enable understanding of how conditions in the different final repositories change over time and how this impacts safety. This research will also supply the data needed to construct the barriers of the final repositories as functionally, efficiently and resourcefully as possible.
A number of experiments are being conducted under realistic conditions in our underground laboratory, Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory. Research is also being carried out in the Canister Laboratory and the Bentonite Laboratory, as well as at universities and colleges in Sweden and abroad.
Technology development
Technology for final disposal is also being developed in our laboratories. Work is ongoing to produce, test and further develop applicable systems.
Social science research
Our social science research programme was initiated 2004. It is focused entirely on how spent nuclear fuel storage impacts decision making and local life in the areas affected by the spent fuel repository. The areas in question are Oskarshamn where the encapsulation plant will be built next to the Clab interim storage facility and Forsmark where the facility for final repository will be located.