The Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company (SKB) has selected Forsmark in the municipality of Östhammar for the repository for spent nuclear fuel. The choice was between Laxemar in Oskarshamn and Forsmark in Östhammar.
SKB’s selection of a site for the repository is the first step in the nuclear industry’s process of constructing a repository for spent nuclear fuel. The next step for SKB is to apply for a license to build the repository. In their application, SKB will describe the method they wish to use for disposal of the spent nuclear fuel.
When SKB presents their application, the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM) and the Environmental Court will review it in light of current legislation and regulations concerning nuclear safety and radiation protection. Both SSM and the Environmental Court will make a report to the Government, which in turn will approve or reject the application.
SKB plans to submit a license application for the construction of a repository for spent nuclear fuel during 2010. Then, a review will begin where SSM will investigate whether or not the application meets regulatory requirements. The authority will not take any position on what site selection for the repository may mean for the municipality in question in terms of infrastructure, residences, or opportunities for employment.
Radioactive waste
Nuclear waste is what remains after the generation of electricity by means of nuclear power. The waste can be divided into a number of categories, including spent nuclear fuel and operational waste.
Nuclear waste is radioactive, which means that it emits harmful radiation. But different categories of waste are hazardous for varying lengths of time. Most difficult to handle is the spent nuclear fuel, which has to be isolated for hundred thousand years or longer. The radioactive operational waste, which is the result of operating the reactors, also has to be isolated, but for a much shorter period.
All radioactive waste must be managed in a manner that is safe for humans and the environment. SKB has recently selected a site for a repository for spent nuclear fuel. The task of the SSM is to review that SKB has designed the repository in a safe manner.