European Nuclear Society
e-news Issue 30 Autumn 2010
http://www.euronuclear.org/e-news/e-news-30/SKB.htm

A case of “yimby” as SKB seeks a permit to build a final spent nuclear fuel repository at Forsmark

On 30 September, Sweden’s national nuclear fuel and waste management company, SKB submitted its latest R&D programme to the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM). Under Swedish law SKB is required to provide SSM with regular three-yearly updates on the results of its current research programme, as well as details of its future research plans. The data it has submitted forms the basis of its application for a permit to build a final repository for Sweden’s spent nuclear fuel in Forsmark, in the municipality of Östhammar, north east of the capital, Stockholm. The final application will be submitted to SSM and to Sweden’s Environmental Court in March 2011. If the application is approved by the authorities construction of the nuclear fuel repository can be started in 2015 and disposal operations in 2025. This application represents the culmination of more than 30 years research into the feasibility of building such a repository in Sweden.

Before any application could be submitted the requisite public support for the project had to be obtained. A recent survey showed that 80% of the approximately 21,000 inhabitants of Östhammar municipality, which already hosts one of Sweden’s nuclear power plants, declared their support for having the repository located in their midst - a clear case of “yimby” or “yes, in my back yard.”

Plans for the spent fuel repository at Forsmark, north of Stockholm

SKB is also developing plans for the management and disposal of low and intermediate-level radioactive waste, and intends to submit an application to extend the capacity of the existing final repository for short-lived radioactive waste (SFR). The extended facility, if the application is successful, is expected to become operational in 2020.

For more information about the application for the spent fuel repository consult SKB’s press release at:

www.skb.se/Templates/Standard____29896.aspx or click on the following link: www.skb.se/Templates/Standard____28848.aspx

Editor-in-Chief