Near-surface nuclear waste disposal facility

This first part of the installation consists of twenty concrete modules - each 25 by 27 metres and 11 metres high-with walls as much as 80 centimetres thick. A fully sealed structure without any chance of leakage or cracking is essential. This requires specific expertise from JV NucleusSafe, including in the application of special composite concrete and innovative formwork techniques. Moreover, the design requires the thick walls to be poured in a single pour. 

The modules rest on a raised base: a 60-centimetre layer of gravel, topped by two metres of sand-cement mixture. This always keeps the modules above the water table and protects them from rising damp. During operation, the modules will be covered with a steel roof, which will later be replaced by a permanent cover. Construction of these first 20 modules will take about 5 years, the filling of these modules with nuclear waste will take about 20 years. 

• Build of the first phase of the facility: 20 concrete modules including technical equipment 

• Workshop building  

• A building to house the tanks linked to the drainage system of each module 

• Driving innovation in Belgium’s nuclear sector: Building on the successful delivery of the spent fuel repositories at Doel and Tihange, BESIX is once again at the forefront of developing vital nuclear infrastructure in Belgium. 

• Enduring partnerships: This project sees BESIX Group collaborating with Stadsbader Group—partners united by a strong track record of excellence and numerous successful joint ventures. 

• A national milestone: The facility represents Belgium’s very first near-surface nuclear waste disposal site, marking a significant step forward in the country’s nuclear waste management capabilities. 

• Integrated collaboration: BESIX and its subsidiary Vanhout are combining their specialised expertise to deliver outstanding results on this landmark project. 

• Recognised expertise: For Vanhout, this is the second project on the NIRAS/ONDRAF site, reaffirming its reputation for trusted performance and technical proficiency.