Abstract: Considering the concept on medium-depth disposal of intermediate level radioactive waste proposed by the International Atomic Energy Agency, this paper surveyed the disposal methods of radioactive waste in some major nuclear countries, analyzed the current status of waste disposal in countries that have carried out intermediate-level disposal, combined the trend of nuclear energy development in China, and estimated the amount of intermediate-level waste that China need to be disposed of in 2030 (3 400 m³), 2050 (28 700 m³), and the latter half of this century (49 400 m³, excluding the intermediate-level waste generated from the operation of nuclear fuel cycle facilities). This paper also briefly analyzed the economic feasibility of disposal and concluded that there is an effective disposal demand in the near future, suggesting that China should proceed with the scientific research, standardization, and early-stage engineering work on intermediate-level waste disposal in an orderly manner as soon as possible.

Key words: radioactive waste, intermediate-level waste, medium-depth disposal