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Finland Opens World's First Nuclear Waste Cave
9 Apr
Summary
- Finland's Onkalo facility is the first for permanent radioactive waste disposal.
- Construction began in 2004 and operations are expected until the 2120s.
- Waste will be sealed in copper canisters and buried over 400 meters deep.
Finland is set to open Onkalo, the world's first facility dedicated to the permanent disposal of radioactive spent nuclear fuel. Construction of the "cave" facility, located on the west coast, commenced in 2004, with operations anticipated to continue until the 2120s.
The Onkalo facility, meaning "cave" in Finnish, is situated on the island of Olkiluoto, near Eurajoki. Its location was chosen due to the bedrock's stability and low seismic activity. The facility is designed to safely isolate dangerous radioactive waste from civilization.
Radioactive rods will be encapsulated in copper canisters using unmanned machinery. These canisters will then be buried in tunnels over 400 meters underground and surrounded by bentonite clay. Onkalo has a capacity to store 6,500 tons of spent nuclear fuel.
While Onkalo represents a significant advancement, experts acknowledge uncertainties in geologic disposal. This method is considered preferable to surface storage, mitigating risks of sabotage and environmental contamination for future generations. Developing long-term warning systems for this waste remains a challenge.
