Dessel, 18 September — Today saw the official laying of the foundation stone for the new surface disposal facility for low- and intermediate-level short-lived nuclear waste in Dessel. This safe final disposal facility for nuclear waste is being built by TM NucleusSafe, a consortium comprising the contractors BESIX, Vanhout, STADSBADER CONTRACTORS and Deckx, on behalf of NIRAS. The presence of Prime Minister Bart De Wever at the ceremony underlines the importance of the facility for the safe and sustainable management of Belgium’s nuclear waste.
During the ceremony, a time capsule was symbolically encased in a concrete box on the building site, thereby leaving a message of forward-thinking and responsibility for future generations.
Specific methods for maximum safety
The surface disposal facility ensures that radioactive waste is safely isolated and no longer poses a threat to people or the environment, either now or in the distant future. The first part of this facility consists of twenty concrete modules—each measuring 25 by 27 metres and 11 metres high—with walls no less than 80 centimetres thick. A completely sealed structure with no risk of leakage or cracking is essential. This requires specific expertise from TM NucleusSafe, including the use of specially formulated concrete and innovative formwork techniques. Furthermore, the design requires the thick walls to be cast in a single pour.
The modules rest on a raised foundation: a 60-centimetre layer of gravel, topped by two metres of sand-cement mix. This ensures the modules always remain above the water table and are protected against rising damp. During operation, the modules will be covered by a steel roof, which will later be replaced by a permanent covering. The construction of the first 20 modules will take approximately 5 years, whilst filling these modules with waste is expected to take 20 years.
About TM NucleusSafe
TM NucleusSafe brings together the strengths of four leading contractors: BESIX, Vanhout, STADSBADER CONTRACTORS and Deckx. Thanks to this unique collaboration, the construction of the surface disposal facility will be a model of local roots, technical expertise and a shared commitment to safe and sustainable engineering.
Local roots as an asset
TM NucleusSafe attaches particular importance to local integration. Two of the four partners, Vanhout and Deckx, are well-established names in the region, meaning the project is being built with and for local people. This local anchoring ensures close involvement with the community and optimal use of regional expertise.
Vanhout and Stadsbader have previously demonstrated their strength in collaboration during the construction of the caisson factory for NIRAS in 2006. With this new contract, both parties are continuing their long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and reliability.
“With this project, Stadsbader Group is once again highlighting its vertical integration, with a wide range of disciplines that we can carry out in-house. For instance, we are providing our own concrete plant on site, constructing the steel structures through our subsidiary ASK Romein, and organising transport by water. The local presence of our company Deckx in Dessel is an additional asset in this regard, enabling us to respond quickly and effectively to the specific needs of this project. In this way, we guarantee the efficient and high-quality execution to which NIRAS clearly attaches great importance. “We also look forward to further strengthening our long-standing partnership with BESIX Group, based on trust and complementarity, within this project,” said Dominique Valcke, CEO of Stadsbader Group.
