Finland's Onkalo to be World's First Permanent Nuclear Waste Repository
Originally: This 1.9 billion-year-old bedrock will soon house the world's 1st permanent nuclear waste site
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Finland's Onkalo facility, built in 2004, is set to become the world's first permanent nuclear waste site, capable of storing 6,500 tons of spent nuclear fuel. The project, costing 1 billion euros ($1.2 billion), is located 430 meters underground in 1.9 billion-year-old bedrock. Authorities are expected to grant operational licenses within months, with the facility designed to remain sealed until the 2120s. Posiva's communications manager Pasi Tuohimaa stated, "The solution that we have, it's the missing point for sustainable use of nuclear energy." This development marks a significant step in addressing the global challenge of nuclear waste management.
Key Takeaways
- • Onkalo, located on Olkiluoto island, will begin operations in 2026 after decades of construction.
- • The facility can store 6,500 tons of spent nuclear fuel, designed to remain sealed until the 2120s.
- • Construction began in 2004 at a cost of 1 billion euros ($1.2 billion), funded by Finnish nuclear power companies.
- • Currently, nearly 400,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel exist globally, with two-thirds in temporary storage.
- • The facility is built in stable migmatite-gneiss bedrock, reducing risks associated with earthquakes.
Why This Matters
The establishment of Onkalo represents a critical advancement in the long-term management of nuclear waste, addressing a global issue that has persisted since the 1950s. As countries like Sweden and France plan similar projects, Onkalo's operational success could influence international standards and policies regarding nuclear waste disposal, potentially leading to more sustainable nuclear energy practices.
This summary was generated by AI from original reporting by PBS NewsHour. Always verify important details with the original source.
