Finland starts trials for safe disposal of nuclear fuel

Finland is the first country in the world to develop a solution for the final disposal of spent nuclear fuel.

Published: September 4, 2024

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Finland began final disposal tests at ONKALO®, the first nuclear waste repository located in Olkiluoto. Over the next few months, the systems and equipment responsible for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel will be tested. Although no real fuel will be used at this stage, the aim is to verify the safety of the process before final operation begins.

ONKALO: Finland’s nuclear waste repository

Posiva Oy’s proposed solution for nuclear fuel storage is a world first. The fuel, which is first cooled for 40 years, will be placed in cast iron casks, clad with copper to prevent corrosion. corrosion. These canisters will be deposited 430 meters deep in shafts dug into the rock-stable subway facility. The key to the system is bentonite clay, which will protect the containers from possible leaks.

In this test phase, final disposal will be simulated by placing four containers in 8-meter deposition shafts. The tunnel will then be sealed with bentonite clay and a concrete plug. The ability to retrieve a damaged container in the event of an emergency will also be tested.

Animation of the final disposal of spent nuclear fuel. Source: Posiva

Posiva’s president, Ilkka Poikolainen, stressed that this test marks a historic breakthrough for both the company and the global nuclear industry. global nuclear industry.. This test will be an opportunity to improve processes and will serve to demonstrate the potential of the technology developed by Posiva.

In addition, Posiva has invited international experts on nuclear waste management to participate in the tests and learn from this innovative system. This demonstration seeks to consolidate the safe management of nuclear waste and close the fuel life cycle, returning it to its geological origin.

The ANYmal robot inspection at ONKALO

Last year, researchers backed by the company ANYbotics traveled to Olkiluoto to evaluate the performance of their quadruped ANYmal robot in subway environments. The goal was to test the robot’s autonomy in ONKALO-specific conditions with a full load and to determine if there are any topographical barriers in the tunnel system that it cannot overcome.

ANYmal functions as a foolproof safety system, recording nuclear waste storage without the need for human intervention, which enhances the safety, efficiency and evolution of robotic inspections in nuclear facilities.