The spatial and planning aspect of solving the issue of radioactive waste disposal in the Republic of Serbia

Abstract

In the Republic of Serbia, radioactive waste has been stored for many years at the Vinca location near Belgrade. However, the location is not suitable for this purpose. It is necessary to define a location for radioactive waste disposal in Serbia in accordance with international criteria, strict spatial conditions, and planning solutions of national interest. The need to conduct research that will define potential zones for radioactive waste disposal is the basic starting point in this paper. The framework of the research is the development of the Spatial Plan of the Republic of Serbia from 2021 to 2035, on the basis of which it is possible to determine potential zones for the construction of a radioactive waste disposal. In this paper, the authors present the results of research on spatial constraints from the aspects of geological and hydrological conditions, spatial protection, and distribution of the population, settlements and buildings, etc. A special contribution it makes is the additional analysis of conditionality in relation to the planned purposes and activities of national and priority importance in Serbia. The collection, processing, and presentation of spatial data is the result of analyses conducted with the support of geographic information systems. The research contributes to a definition of potential zones, within the scope of which it is necessary to conduct further research and select the optimal location for a radioactive waste disposal. The paper provides methodological guidelines for further scientific research into the spatial aspects of radioactive waste disposal in Serbia, at the same time pointing out possible directions for further resolution of this issue in practice.