World Nuclear Exhibition 2021: Veolia awarded for its GeoMelt® solution for treating nuclear waste by vitrification

GeoMelt® is stronger than concrete and more durable than granite or marble

GeoMelt® is a proven treatment method in the nuclear industry, with low life-cycle costs compared to other treatment methods for problematic (difficult to dispose of) waste. This thermal vitrification process transforms radioactive waste into a robust, stable material, stronger than concrete and more durable than granite or marble. It protects the environment against the risks associated with hazardous nuclear waste. The leaching resistance of GeoMelt® (which prevents the slow dissolution of solids in the presence of water) is among the highest of any material in the world. This extremely durable conditioning technology significantly reduces waste volumes compared to containment in cement.

GeoMelt® uses an electric current to melt and vitrify materials at temperatures between 1000° and 2000°C. This process allows different wastes, some of which are not readily vitrifiable, to be melted together by mixing them with other materials that are more easily vitrified. All molten materials are oxidised when trapped in the glass. This technology has already made it possible to treat 26,000 tonnes of hazardous and radioactive waste, in particular in the United States. GeoMelt® is part of a sustainable development approach by allowing waste used as reagents in the vitrification process (contaminated asbestos, etc.) to be recycled.

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