In Finland, radioactive spent nuclear fuel soon to be buried underground

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Helsinki: Finland is finalising operations on a permanent underground disposal site for spent nuclear fuel, resolving a global environmental dilemma. The pioneering project, known as Onkalo, is blasted more than 430 meters into ancient bedrock in southwestern Finland.

The facility will provide a final resting place for hazardous materials from the nation's nuclear reactors.

The repository utilizes a multi-layered containment strategy to ensure isolation for at least 100,000 years. Radioactive fuel assemblies are encapsulated in highly corrosion-resistant copper canisters, placed into deep holes, and packed tightly with water-absorbing bentonite clay. Once specific tunnels are full, engineers seal them permanently with thick concrete plugs.

Managed by nuclear waste company Posiva, construction began in 2004 and is estimated at over one billion euros. Finnish law mandates domestic disposal of all locally generated nuclear waste, driving high public support.