Sweden's Bold Step in Nuclear Waste Management: A 100,000-Year Solution
Sweden has embarked on an innovative project to secure its spent nuclear fuel safely for the next 100,000 years. Near the Forsmark nuclear plant in Söderviken, a cutting-edge storage facility is being built 500 meters underground, leveraging the stability of ancient bedrock.
This state-of-the-art repository will house 12,000 tonnes of radioactive waste in 6,000 corrosion-resistant copper canisters, each five meters long. These capsules will be encased in protective clay and buried in a sprawling 60-kilometer tunnel system, ensuring unparalleled isolation and security.
Timeline and Investment:
Construction completion: 2080
Facility operation begins: Late 2030s
Estimated cost: 12 billion crowns ($1.08 billion)
This ambitious project highlights Sweden's commitment to sustainability and responsible nuclear energy use, setting a global benchmark for long-term waste management.
