Finland licenses world’s first nuclear waste repository

Finland has granted Posiva an operating licence for the world’s first spent nuclear fuel repository, Yle reported. The licence allows the company to operate the encapsulation and final disposal facility in Olkiluoto until the end of 2070.

The facility is in the municipality of Eurajoki and will take spent nuclear fuel from the Olkiluoto and Loviisa nuclear power plants. The licensed complex includes an above-ground encapsulation plant and a repository built more than 400 metres underground.

The government granted the licence on Thursday. Posiva is responsible for carrying out the project safely, while its owners, Teollisuuden Voima and Fortum, are responsible for ensuring it has adequate financial resources.

Environment and Climate Minister Sari Multala said the project followed more than 40 years of work by a wide range of actors across society.