- A Swedish court has approved the construction of a nuclear waste disposal site in Forsmark. The site will securely store radioactive waste for up to 100,000 years.
- The facility will hold around 6,000 capsules containing nearly 12,000 tons of waste from Sweden’s nuclear reactors, utilising advanced technology for long-term safety.
- Despite environmental concerns, political support exists for the project as the Swedish government seeks to diversify its energy portfolio and plans to expand nuclear capacity by 2035.
A specialised court in Sweden has approved the construction of a nuclear waste disposal site in Forsmark, about 130 kilometres north of Stockholm. The project aims to store radioactive waste for up to 100,000 years securely and represents a significant advancement in Sweden’s nuclear waste management efforts.
The Forsmark site sits near one of Sweden’s nuclear power plants. It will accommodate around 6,000 capsules, containing nearly 12,000 tons of radioactive waste from the country’s reactors. With this initiative, Sweden is a leader in long-term radioactive waste storage.
Finland also pursues a similar project, making the Nordic countries pioneers. If successful, Sweden will join a small group of nations with permanent disposal sites, including France, considering a facility in Bure.
Svensk Kärnbränslehantering AB (SKB) manages the radioactive waste in Sweden. The company plans to use advanced technology to ensure the site remains secure for 100,000 years. Spent nuclear fuel rods will be encased in cast-iron capsules. Workers will then place these capsules in sealed copper canisters buried 500 meters underground. The canisters will sit in cavities sealed with bentonite plugs. Bentonite, a material known for its low permeability, minimises the risk of radioactive leaks.
The Forsmark facility will store waste from Sweden’s 12 operational or previously active reactors, which span three nuclear power plants. The expected storage operations will last around 70 years. However, this duration could extend depending on the reactors’ operational lifespan. The court specified that this authorisation does not cover waste generated by future reactors.
The court’s ruling comes amid ongoing concerns about environmental risks. Critics from ecological organisations worry about the potential for radioactive leaks. They fear the copper used in the canisters may not be durable enough to ensure long-term safety.
Despite these challenges, political backing supports the project. The Swedish government eagerly seeks to diversify its energy portfolio. The current centre-right administration also considers the construction of two new reactors by 2035. A gradual nuclear expansion plan is to unfold through 2045. However, this proposal remains controversial. Some advocates push for a transition to more sustainable and less hazardous energy sources.
Sweden’s decision to pursue a long-term underground storage solution reflects a broader regional trend. Finland has already taken significant steps with its Onkalo site. Among European nations, these Nordic countries are the few opting for permanent waste management solutions. They prefer definitive disposal over temporary storage. An intermediate facility in Oskarshamn, located in southern Sweden, will serve as a temporary storage site. This facility will hold waste while it awaits final transfer to Forsmark.
This model may inspire other countries looking to improve their radioactive waste management practices. France is also considering a disposal site in Bure, but its authorisation process remains ongoing. It could take several years for that to be finalised.
In summary, the approval of the Forsmark site marks a significant step in Sweden’s approach to nuclear waste management. This decision showcases a commitment to securing radioactive waste for future generations. The project represents a crucial part of the country’s energy strategy, balancing environmental safety and energy needs.