Finland : Fortum receives an operating licence for a final disposal facility for low-and intermediate-level waste in the Loviisa power plant area
Al Bawaba Business
Government granted Fortum Power and Heat Oy an operating licence for a final disposal facility for low- and intermediate-level waste in the Loviisa power plant area. The new licence replaces the current licence, which is valid until 2055. The new permit is valid until 31.12.2090. According to the new licence, the final disposal of nuclear waste generated by the decommissioning and dismantling of the Loviisa nuclear power plant is also possible in addition to the final disposal of nuclear waste generated at the Loviisa disposal facility during operation. The intention is to place all low- and medium-level waste generated during the operation and decommissioning of the Loviisa power plant at the Loviisa disposal facility, as well as the possibility to deposit smaller amounts of radioactive waste generated elsewhere in Finland. The first of these, in accordance with the companies' agreement, will be the final disposal of waste from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland's FiR 1 research reactor and radioactive materials research laboratory. The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority has previously stated in the safety assessment of the Loviisa disposal facility that the safety status of the facility is good in terms of both operational safety and long-term safety. STUK also stated that the licensee has the necessary procedures and resources to continue the safe operation of the facility. Fortum Power and Heat Oy is prepared for nuclear waste management and pays waste management fees to the National Nuclear Waste Management Fund in accordance with the decisions of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. The final disposal facility in Loviisa has been in operation since 1998. It is located on the site area at a depth of 110 meters. The spent nuclear fuel generated at the Loviisa power plant will eventually be disposed of in Eurajoki, at Posiva Oy's final disposal facility for spent nuclear fuel, jointly owned by Fortum and Teollisuuden Voima Oyj.