Finland to Open World's First Nuclear Waste Repository

Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) has announced that it has officially granted a license to operate the world’s first permanent underground nuclear waste repository in the country. This historic step marks a major turning point for global energy and environmental safety. This was reported by Ixbt.com .

According to ixbt.com, the unique repository, named Onkalo, was built approximately 240 kilometers from Helsinki, near the Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant. This is the world’s first practical project for which a facility for hermetically sealing and geologically disposing of spent nuclear fuel has reached the operational licensing stage.

The result of 40 years of research

STUK representatives said preparations for this important milestone had lasted more than 40 years. Experts concluded that there are currently no factors or risks preventing the license from being granted from a radiation and nuclear safety perspective.

According to Posiva, the company implementing the project, highly radioactive spent nuclear fuel will be placed in special iron and copper containers. They will then be permanently disposed of in a dedicated repository built inside solid bedrock at a depth of 400–450 meters.

Safety measures

This deep geological isolation method ensures the complete separation of nuclear waste from people and the environment for an extended period. According to the project’s technical specifications, the Onkalo repository is designed to keep radioactive materials completely safe for the next 100,000 years.

Posiva had requested a license to operate the facility successfully until the end of 2070. However, one important legal step remains before the repository can begin full operations: authorization from Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is required. This authorization will be issued only after STUK provides a positive assessment.