Deep Geological Disposal & Energy Storage Research Center
The Deep Geological Disposal & Energy Storage Research Center conducts site investigation and deep geological environment characterization studies for high-level radioactive waste (HLW) disposal. Leveraging the Underground Research Laboratory (URL) and a wide range of advanced field and laboratory equipment, the Center produces reliable data on deep geological conditions. Research activities include thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) coupled behavior modeling of fractured rock, in-situ stress measurement and analysis, and long-term geophysical monitoring technology development. The Center has secured standard technologies for disposal safety assessment optimized for domestic geological environments. In addition, it conducts applied research to expand the utilization of deep underground space, including large-scale liquefied hydrogen rock cavern storage, and deep geothermal resource development. Through collaborative research with academia, industry, and government agencies, the Center contributes to national energy security and safe radioactive waste management.
Major Activities
- Development and verification of OGS-based THM numerical modeling methodology
- Construction of an integrated database on deep geological environment characteristics for HLW disposal
- Compilation and release of the Korea Stress Map
- Advancement of deep subsurface utilization technologies through international collaborative research (e.g., DECOVALEX, HotBENT, IEA Geothermal TCP)
- Development and technology transfer of a precision hydraulic packer system (KHP) suitable for deep geological environments
- Establishment and operation of the TELLUS geophysical monitoring system for fault zones in the southeastern region of Korea
- Development of the K-DEV borehole inclinometer system for deep drilling applications
