Europe09 April, 20261 min read
Finland Opens World’s First Permanent Nuclear Waste Storage in Ancient Bedrock
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Onkalo, 430 meters underground in 1.9-billion-year-old bedrock, becomes world's first permanent nuclear waste site. Cost around €1 billion with decades of construction; expected to operate into the 2120s.
Finland's Onkalo Facility
Finland is set to open Onkalo, the world's first permanent facility for storing spent nuclear fuel. The $1.2-billion project began construction in 2004 and is expected to receive a license within months. Radioactive rods will be sealed in copper canisters and buried deep underground.
Posiva says Onkalo can store 6,500 tons of spent nuclear fuel. The closest town is Eurajoki, home to about 9,000 people.
Geological Stability and Safety Measures
The site was chosen for its migmatite-gneiss bedrock, known for high stability. Radioactive rods will be sealed in copper canisters and buried over 400 meters underground. Posiva estimates radioactivity will take hundreds of thousands of years to fall to normal levels.
Almost 400,000 tons of spent fuel have been produced globally since the 1950s. Sweden began building a repository last year, not expected to open until the late 2030s.
Expert Warnings and Uncertainties
Experts warn the long-term disposal method carries significant uncertainties. Edwin Lyman said there’s no good option, but geologic disposal is the least bad option. Copper canisters will eventually corrode, but the hope is it will be slow.
Permanently storing spent fuel deep underground is better than leaving it on the surface. Nuclear material kept above ground is vulnerable to sabotage.
Public Reception and Political Context
Eurajoki has about 9,000 residents, many working at the nuclear facilities. Property taxes bring about 20 million euros a year to the municipality. The EU designated nuclear energy as a clean energy source in July 2023.
Finland’s policy requires waste to be handled domestically. The mayor noted the past four decades have flown by without incidents.
