Monthly Lecture

Valentina Zampetti (Nagra) will talk about:

From Rock to Repository: Geological Characterization for Deep Geological Repository Site Selection in Northern Switzerland

Abstract
To ensure the long-term protection of people and the environment, Switzerland has committed to disposing of its radioactive waste in a deep geological repository (DGR). The safety of such a repository depends primarily on the stability of underground geological conditions, rather than surface features. Therefore, geology and operational safety are the most critical factors in identifying the most suitable site.

A thorough understanding and characterization of the subsurface is the foundation of the site selection process. This presentation focuses on the geological characterization that supported the selection of Nördlich Lägern as the preferred site for Switzerland’s DGR.

Since the launch of the site selection process in 2008, detailed investigations and evaluations have been conducted to identify the most suitable location. The assessment was based on three key categories:

• Quality: Properties of the host rock, its containment potential, and geochemical conditions.
• Stability: Geological history, absence of tectonic activity, and the age of porewater.
• Flexibility: Spatial extent of the host rock, feasibility of engineering solutions, and options for repository layout.

About the presenter
Dr. Valentina Zampetti is an internationally recognized geoscientist with over 20 years of experience in seismic interpretation and subsurface characterization and modelling. She currently serves as Integrated Geological Model Discipline Lead in Nagra (Swiss Cooperative for Nuclear Waste Disposal), leading a multidisciplinary team and technically contributing to the subsurface evaluation from site selection to construction of the deep geological repository. Valentina has held senior technical and leadership roles at Shell and Maersk Oil, contributing to high-impact exploration and development projects across the globe.

Program:
17:00-18:00 hrs: Social hour
18:00-19:00 hrs: Lecture
19:00-20:00 hrs: Social hour

Teams meeting link: Click here

Venue:
Millers, Plein 10, Den Haag