Geological Disposal Facilities (GDF)
Geological Disposal Facilities (GDFs) represent a core market for Consortium Drilling, where we provide essential drilling and subsurface services to support the safe, long-term management of higher-activity radioactive waste.
GDFs are internationally recognised as the safest and most sustainable solution for the permanent disposal of nuclear waste. They involve the emplacement of waste at significant depth within stable and secure geological formations, providing long-term isolation from the biosphere and minimising the need for future human intervention.
Several countries, including Finland, Sweden, France, Canada, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, are actively developing geological disposal programmes. These facilities form a critical component of national strategies for managing radioactive waste in a manner that is both environmentally responsible and aligned with long-term sustainability objectives.
Our team specialises in the drilling required to assess and establish these secure disposal sites, ensuring the integrity and safety of waste containment.
By utilising advanced drilling technologies, we help identify suitable geological formations and create the necessary infrastructure for long-term storage.
Consortium Drilling is committed to supporting national nuclear waste management strategy by providing expertise in onshore and offshore drilling solutions that align with the highest safety and regulatory standards, ensuring the secure disposal of radioactive waste for generations to come.
Case Study
Nuclear
Members of Consortium Drilling’s senior leadership team previously worked with Nirex, contributing to pioneering geological investigation activities associated with the proposed Rock Characterisation Facility at Longlands Farm, near Sellafield.
This historic experience forms part of a broader legacy of involvement in technically complex and high-profile projects within the nuclear waste management sector. Drawing on these early foundations, the leadership team brings a deep understanding of subsurface characterisation, drilling challenges and regulatory scrutiny, and now seeks to support future opportunities within the geological disposal facility sector as programmes evolve nationally and internationally.