Zwilag, Nuclear waste repository in Würenlingen, Switzerland
Zwilag is a storage facility for radioactive waste in Würenlingen that contains specialized halls designed to hold different types of radioactive materials safely. The facility stores spent fuel elements and vitrified waste that come from nuclear power plants, research centers, hospitals, and various industries.
The facility began operations in 1990 and received its first shipments of spent fuel and vitrified waste in 2001. It was developed to provide Swiss nuclear power plants and other sources of radioactive materials with a centralized storage solution.
The facility represents Switzerland's methodical approach to nuclear waste management through stringent safety protocols and comprehensive storage solutions.
The site is not open to public visits due to strict security and safety requirements for radioactive material storage. Information about the facility can be obtained through official channels and published documentation.
The facility uses natural air circulation through openings in walls and roofs to manage the heat generated by stored materials, using a passive cooling system that requires no external power. This design approach reduces operational complexity and energy consumption significantly.
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