Finland has obtained the world's first license for the exploitation of an underground repository for used nuclear fuel, announced by the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority.

The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority of Finland has announced the issuance of the first operating license for an underground repository intended for spent nuclear fuel, with the application submitted by Posiva Oy. This is a world premiere, and the final geological disposal facility in Olkiluoto has met all necessary safety requirements. The director of STUK, Petteri Tiippana, emphasized the importance of this step in the final disposal process of nuclear waste, which has been prepared for over 40 years.

The storage of spent nuclear fuel will involve sealing it in disposal canisters, which will be placed at a depth of 400-450 meters, thus ensuring environmental isolation. Although the license has been granted, storage will not begin immediately, as STUK will need to confirm the fulfillment of safety requirements before operation. Safety assessments will continue throughout the operation of the facility, and Posiva will need to conduct periodic assessments to ensure long-term safety. Onkalo, the geological repository, is designed to remain safe for hundreds of thousands of years.