Towards final disposal - progress in spent fuel management in Finland

The management of spent fuel from the Finnish nuclear power plants is based on direct disposal in the Finnish crystalline rock. The responsibilities and licensing procedures are defined in the Nuclear Energy Act. The schedule was set as early as in 1983. Technology and safety of final disposal have been studied for over two decades. Site selection has proceeded from screening the entire country to detailed site investigations at four sites: Olkiluoto in Eurajoki, Haestholmen in Loviisa, Kivetty in Aeaenekoski and Romuvaara in Kuhmo. Environmental impact of the project is under study at the four candidate municipalities. Public acceptance is growing and at two of the four municipalities over 50% of the population is in favour of the disposal facility. The most important steps in the near future are the political decision by the Government and the municipalities and the selection of the site by the end of 2000. (author)