The search for sites

For site selection, the procedure, the criteria to be applied, the responsibilities of the different actors, the possibilities for participation and the time schedule are regulated by the conceptual part of the sectoral plan for deep geological repositories.

Further reading:

Sectoral Plan for Deep Geological Repositories (Conceptual Part) (10.3 MB)

Swiss Federal Office of Energy: Selection procedure for deep geological repositories

Site selection procedure

• At the outset of the search for sites, the whole of Switzerland is a blank map.
• The distribution of suitable host rocks and the minimum geological requirements to be met by potential sites have the effect of significantly narrowing down the possibilities in a first step.
• Besides the distribution of the host rocks, tectonics plays a major role. Areas with strong deformation in the Alps are excluded as a precaution. Large underground faults are also avoided where their existence is known from seismic profiles.
• Sections below deep channels that were partly gouged out of the rock during the last ice ages are also avoided.
• After checking compliance with all the criteria prescribed in the sectoral plan, some areas will emerge as being suitable as siting regions for a deep geological repository.

Who does what?

• The lead in the sectoral plan and general licence processes lies with the Federal Office of Energy (SFOE). The SFOE leads and coordinates the procedure and organises regional participation. It also keeps the public informed on the status of work.
• The cantons support the SFOE in the area of regional participation. Where necessary, they also modify the cantonal structure plans.
• The framework provided by the opportunities for participation allows the communities in the potential siting regions to bring their concerns into the process; they are involved continually in the cooperative effort.  
• The public, the Cantons, interested organisations and neighbouring countries all have the opportunity to express their views on the siting proposals and the results reports as part of the hearing procedures foreseen in the Sectoral Plan process. 
• Nagra's role is that of a technical expert. It compiles the geoscientific knowledge base and proposes potential siting regions.
• The Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI) reviews the siting proposals from a safety perspective before the Federal Council and Parliament make their decisions.
• The Federal Council generally decides on licences for the construction of nuclear installations, which include geological repositories. A national referendum can be called for against the granting of the general licence for the repository. In this case, the Swiss voters have the final say.