Finland grants world's first license for deep nuclear waste repository

The Finnish government has issued the world's first operating license for a deep geological repository designed for permanent nuclear fuel storage. The Onkalo project, located at Olkiluoto on Finland's western coast, marks the culmination of over 40 years of research, technical preparation, and construction.

Managed by the company Posiva, the facility includes surface equipment for encapsulating spent fuel and a deep underground repository situated approximately 400 to 455 meters below the surface in nearly 2-billion-year-old rock. The repository is designed to hold up to 6,500 tons of uranium, equivalent to roughly 3,300 specialized containers. These containers feature a cast iron core for mechanical strength and a copper outer shell to prevent corrosion, and will be surrounded by bentonite clay to ensure isolation.

The license, which remains valid until the end of 2070, covers waste from the Olkiluoto and Loviisa nuclear power plants. Before full operations begin, Posiva must complete final testing and inspections as required by the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK). The regulator has confirmed that the facility meets the necessary nuclear and radiation safety requirements.