Carbon Dioxide and Radioactive Waste in Central and Eastern Europe: A Regional Overview of Geological Storage and Disposal Potential

Abstract

Given that carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage is a promising option for reducing greenhouse gas emission levels and that nuclear power-based energy production is a proven carbon-free technology, we give a regional overview of the geological storage potential of CO2 and disposal potential of radioactive waste in eight countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE): Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia (referred to here as the CEE-8). A region-specific summary of CO2 emission point sources and emission figures is given as well as of nuclear power plant facilities, their waste types and respective volumes. In addition, we provide a description of the geological storage types available for CO2 in the CEE-8, namely depleted hydrocarbon fields, saline aquifers and coal reserves. We give insights into the determining factors for site selection for geological storage of CO2. We review the countries in the region that are considering and/or working on a radioactive waste disposal facility. An assessment is provided on the status of the site selection programme, if any, in each country. Potential geological features are summarized in terms of possible disposal sites. We compare the identifiable similarities and differences in geological storage of CO2 and disposal of radioactive waste among the countries studied and between the two types of substances to be disposed of.