Title: Application of an intelligent decision system to nuclear waste repository option analysis

Authors: Dong-Ling Xu, Jian-Bo Yang, Benny Carle, Frank Hardeman, Da Ruan

Addresses: Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester, Manchester M15 6PB, UK. ' Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester, Manchester M15 6PB, UK. ' Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium. ' Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium. ' Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium

Abstract: This paper presents how the evidential reasoning approach for multi-criteria decision analysis, with the support of its software implementation, Intelligent Decision System (IDS), can be used to analyse whether low level radioactive waste should be stored at the surface or buried deep underground in the territory of the community of Mol in Belgium. Following an outline of the problem and the assessment criteria, the process of using IDS for data collection, information aggregation and outcome presentation is described. The outcomes of the analysis are examined using the various sensitivity analysis functions of IDS. The analysis using IDS can generate informative outcomes to better support the decision making process in practice.

Keywords: belief decision matrix; decision support systems; intelligent DSS; evidential reasoning approach; multiple criteria decision analysis; MCDM; nuclear waste repository; risk assessment; nuclear energy; nuclear power; low level waste; radioactive waste; Belgium.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNGEE.2008.018333

International Journal of Nuclear Governance, Economy and Ecology, 2008 Vol.2 No.2, pp.146 - 165

Published online: 16 May 2008 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article