The corrosion of zirconium under deep geologic repository conditions

► Zircaloy fuel cladding is a potential source of radionuclides under permanent nuclear waste disposal conditions. ► The oxide film is sufficiently protective that localized corrosion is very unlikely under the disposal conditions anticipated. ► Passive corrosion is the only credible process. ► The low solubility and chemical inertness of the oxide film will limit the radionuclide release rate to negligible values.