Finland marks a major milestone in nuclear waste disposal with the successful completion of its encapsulation plant, paving the way for the world’s first permanent underground storage facility.
In March, Finland successfully completed the first test of its encapsulation plant, marking a significant milestone in the country’s quest to become the world’s first permanent underground storage facility for radioactive waste.
Since the arrival of nuclear power in the 1950s, more than 400 reactors in 31 countries have produced approximately 430,000 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel. However, until now, no country has developed a permanent solution for disposing of this hazardous material. The International Atomic Energy Agency estimates that about 30% of this fuel has been reprocessed, while the remaining 70% is stored in temporary facilities.
Nuclear waste is a byproduct of nuclear power generation and consists of radioactive materials that remain hazardous for thousands of years.
The world's nuclear reactors produce approximately 10,000 metric tons of high-level nuclear waste annually.
The storage and disposal of this waste pose significant environmental and health risks if not managed properly.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), there are over 400 operational nuclear power plants worldwide, generating an estimated 2,00,000 metric tons of nuclear waste by 2050.
The ideal solution would be to store spent nuclear fuel in an underground facility capable of containing it safely for millennia. Spent fuel poses a significant threat to human health for at least 10,000 years and remains radioactive for several million. Finland’s Onkalo repository aims to address this issue by storing spent fuel from its five nuclear reactors in a secure, subterranean environment.
The Onkalo repository is a nuclear waste storage facility located in Olkiluoto, Finland.
It is designed to store spent nuclear fuel from the country's two nuclear power plants.
The repository is built into solid rock at a depth of 420 meters and has been operational since 2019.
Onkalo's design aims for long-term safety, with a projected lifespan of up to 100,000 years.
Finland's unique geology and expertise in nuclear waste management contribute to its reputation as a leader in safe disposal methods.
Located on the west coast of Finland, roughly three hours’ drive from Helsinki, the Onkalo repository is being built by Posiva Oy. The facility will receive spent fuel from Finland’s five nuclear reactors and features an underground space with a depth of 430 meters. Testing has begun in this bedrock layer, where storage involves placing spent fuel rods inside copper canisters, which are then sealed with bentonite to act as a buffer against minor movements.
Finland is not the only country working towards permanent nuclear waste storage. Neighboring Sweden is also preparing to start work on its repository, expected to extend over 60 kilometers of tunnel and contain up to 12,000 metric tons of Swedish spent nuclear fuel. Canada has selected a host site for its proposed storage facility within the Township of Ignace, Ontario, while France and Switzerland are making progress with their respective projects.
Despite the advancements, concerns remain about potential corrosion of storage containers, specifically copper canisters. Researchers have expressed concerns about sulfides in groundwater corroding these containers. However, Posiva Oy has continued to work on this issue, and their encapsulation plant is expected to become operational soon.
Copper canisters are often used in industrial and laboratory settings to store corrosive substances.
However, they can corrode over time due to chemical reactions with the stored materials.
Factors contributing to corrosion include humidity, temperature, and exposure to certain chemicals.
The rate of corrosion can be slowed by using a protective coating or lining the canister with a non-reactive material.
Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to prevent damage and ensure safe handling.
While Finland’s Onkalo repository is making history as the world’s first permanent underground storage facility for radioactive waste, there are still many challenges to overcome before its completion. The construction of Onkalo has cost €900 million, with an estimated €4 billion more needed to finish the project. Final approval is expected around 2030, subject to a referendum, and the repository should start operating by 2060.
The development of permanent nuclear waste storage facilities is crucial for addressing the growing pressure in the nuclear sector. As countries look to decarbonize energy production and the tech sector seeks ways to power its electricity-hungry AI systems, international cooperation will be essential in finding effective solutions. Finland’s breakthrough serves as a beacon of hope for other nations working towards a safer future for humanity.
