The purpose of the Thermochemical Database Project is to make available a high-quality, traceable, internally consistent and internationally recognised chemical thermodynamic database of selected elements relevant to the safety of radioactive waste repositories, providing data that are vital to support the geochemical modelling of such systems.

Over a time span of 35 years, the NEA TDB Project has published 15 authoritative volumes containing selected thermochemical values for a vast number of compounds, and it has become the worldwide standard in the field of geological disposal.

The unique feature of the TDB project is that the data are evaluated and selected by teams of leading experts drawn from universities and research institutes around the world, through a critical review of the existing primary experimental sources following rigorous and transparent guidelines. The TDB Critical Reviews document the process leading to the selected values. TDB State of the art Reports, though not following the guidelines, provide the best estimates available.

The database compiles formation data (Gibbs energies, enthalpies, entropies and heat capacities) for each aqueous species and solid phase of interest, as well as chemical reactions and their corresponding thermodynamic data. Non-thermodynamic data (diffusion or kinetics) and sorption data are not considered in the TDB project.

The Development and Improvement of Thermodynamic Understanding for use in nuclear waste disposal Safety Case (DITUSC) is a work package within the Eurad-2 project. This initiative has been designed as a 24-month strategic study with the primary goal of consolidating and enhancing scientific knowledge to predict long-term safety-relevant processes in the disposal of radioactive waste. The work package aims to address several critical aspects, including the identification, critical evaluation, prioritization, and definition of strategies to fill existing gaps in safety-related thermodynamic databases. Additionally, it seeks to maintain and advance know-how in the field of thermodynamics, supporting both current and future capabilities for the reliable use of thermodynamics in assessing the performance of various radioactive waste disposal configurations, conducting safety analyses, and preparing safety cases.

ABOUT THE COURSE

The ninth edition of the annual NEA Thermochemical Database (TDB) Project course on the topic of thermodynamic data collection and assessment will take place in person on 20 September 2025 at the Le Meridian Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana (USA) in coordination with the Migration2025 conference.

The course is designed to familiarise scientists with current NEA TDB activities and standards, provide an overview of data collection and analysis techniques, and work through some real system examples to demonstrate the critical evaluation and data assessment process. Retaining high scientific standards for the collection, interpretation, critical review and application of thermodynamic data is a key goal of the NEA TDB, and helps assure that a strong scientific basis for the safety case is maintained to support international nuclear waste management options. Moreover, this edition of the course aims at providing insights on the use of thermodynamic approaches in radioactive waste disposal Safety Case.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Ideally designed for graduate students, young scientists (typically postdoctoral students) or any scientists who are new to the nuclear chemistry field and its application to nuclear waste management (repository science as well as environmental remediation/containment of near-surface contamination sites). The course also further targets scientists interested in broader environmental applications of the NEA TDB and the collection and application of thermodynamic data.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Tentative Programme:

Topic 1: Background - The TDB Project, materials and processes

Topic 2: Experimental approaches and design

Topic 3: NEA-TDB Guidelines for ionic strength corrections. Critical review criteria within NEA-TDB

Topic 4: Use of thermochemical data tables

Topic 5: Use of thermodynamic approaches in nuclear waste disposal Safety Case: insights from the EURAD-2 DITUSC work package

Date and time: 20 September 2025

Registration deadline: 5 September 2025

Location: Le Meridien Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana (USA)

Register here

Invitation Letter

Travel information