Finland’s nuclear waste repository could open in October

The world’s first final disposal facility for high-level nuclear waste could begin operating soon at Olkiluoto in Eurajoki, Yle reports. Environment and Climate Minister Sari Multala said she hoped the government could grant the facility’s final operating licence as early as October.

“At least the licence will be granted this year, I could promise that,” Multala told Yle during her first visit to Onkalo, the underground disposal facility.

Posiva, the company responsible for nuclear waste management, has had to wait for the licensing process to advance while the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority reviewed extensive material. The authority completed a favourable statement in early August.

The operating licence is now being prepared by officials at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. Once the preparation is complete, the application will be submitted for a decision.

Finland hopes to export its expertise

Multala said Finland had a lead over other countries in the final disposal of high-level nuclear waste and that other states could learn from Posiva’s solutions.

She visited Olkiluoto with, among others, Estonia’s Minister of Energy and Environment Andres Sutt and Latvia’s Minister of Climate and Energy Jānis Vitenbergs.

Posiva already sells its expertise abroad through its Solutions company, Multala said, adding that Finland should make use of that opportunity.

Onkalo is currently planned to receive only spent high-level fuel from the Olkiluoto and Loviisa nuclear power plants.

There is occasional discussion in Finland about allowing foreign countries to send their high-level nuclear waste to Finland for final disposal. Selling disposal capacity to foreign operators could generate significant revenue, but current Finnish nuclear energy legislation does not allow it.

“Let us first make sure that our own operations in Finland are launched safely. Later, we can perhaps consider the many questions connected with the final disposal of foreign nuclear waste,” Multala said.