The project for selecting candidate sites for high-level radioactive waste began in the 1980s with geological surveys focused on four stations across France. However, due to social backlash and controversy, then Prime Minister Michel Rocard declared the suspension of the site selection process for high-level waste storage.
In 1988, three sites on the eastern coast were selected as candidate sites for high-level radioactive waste, but the selection was halted after two months due to opposition from residents. Efforts were made again in 1990 and 1994, but they failed. Although Incheon Gul-eopdo was designated, it was retracted, and the same situation occurred in Buan in 2003. Ultimately, after dividing the waste into low- and intermediate-level and high-level categories, Gyeongju was designated as a candidate site for low-level radioactive waste in 2005, bringing the intermediate-level controversy to a close.
The history of the project for selecting candidate sites for high-level radioactive waste in South Korea and France is similar. After being thwarted by opposition from residents, the project resumed when legislation was enacted.
France established the Bacay Law in 1991, laying the policy foundation for the safe and sustainable management and disposal of radioactive waste. Following the enactment of the Bacay Law, the French government assigned responsibility to the National Radioactive Waste Management Agency (ANDRA) for the design and research of a high-level waste storage facility in 1993 and promoted the underground storage project called "Cigéo." Through this, they are seeking a way to safely store high-level waste at a depth of 500 meters underground.
In South Korea, as controversy over radioactive waste arose, the waste was divided into low- and intermediate-level and high-level categories. In 2005, Gyeongju was designated as a candidate site for low-level radioactive waste, which brought the intermediate-level controversy to a close. Now, only high-level radioactive waste remains. In February, a special law concerning the management of high-level radioactive waste passed in the National Assembly, mandating that a site must be selected within 13 years.
Director General Hubert and Deputy Minister Kim emphasized on the second day of the 2025 Korean Nuclear Annual Conference, on the 30th, that legal clarification and efforts to garner public consensus are necessary for the management of high-level waste. They also stated that once the site is selected, the focus should be on construction and that attracting talent for this purpose is essential.
Deputy Minister Kim noted that "the inclusion of the site selection process for the high-level radioactive waste management facility in the special law is the most important aspect" and that "the special law’s most significant meaning lies in thoroughly designing the process to proceed democratically and transparently." He continued, "It is specified that reports must be made to the National Assembly at each stage of the final site selection, and it must ultimately be decided through a public vote to prioritize national acceptance."
Additionally, Deputy Minister Kim stated that "the support funds in the special law to assist the host region and its surrounding areas are to be determined by presidential decree, as specified by law" and that he is closely monitoring how opinions from local governments and relevant agencies will be gathered. He added, "By the early 2040s, over 1,000 personnel will be needed for radioactive waste management, and we are simultaneously conducting graduate support projects and support programs for workers."
Director General Hubert mentioned that "the Cigéo project has established a disposal area that will operate at a depth of 500 meters for 12 years" and that "a total expense of 25 billion euros is expected by the expiration date." He further explained that "the Cigéo project, which started with 160 permanent employees, now employs over 500 staff and has transitioned from a research and development-centric organization to a construction and licensing-centered organization."