Finnish report on the safety of spent fuel and radioactive waste management. Finnish national report as referred to in article 32 of the joint convention on the safety of spent fuel management and on the safety of radioactive waste management

Finland signed the Convention on 2 October 1997 and deposited the tools of acceptance on 10 February 2000. The Convention entered into force on 18 June 2001. The major generators of radioactive waste in Finland are the two nuclear power plants, the Loviisa and Olkiluoto plants. The Loviisa plant has two PWR units, operated by Fortum Power and Heat Oy, and the Olkiluoto plant two BWR units, operated by Teollisuuden Voima Oy. These power plant units were connected to the electrical network between 1977 and 1980. Both power plants have interim storages for spent fuel as well as facilities for the management of low and intermediate level waste. Final disposal facilities for low and intermediate level radioactive wastes were taken into operation at Olkiluoto in 1992 and at Loviisa in 1998. Disposal of spent nuclear fuel is under preparation and has passed the first authorization step, so called Decision-in-Principle. No decommissioning projects of nuclear facilities are underway. Other generators of radioactive waste are the research reactor FiR 1 and various small users of radioactive substances, such as hospitals, universities, research institutes and industry. Finland has only insignificant amounts of radioactive waste generated from past practices requiring further management measures. In this report, the scope of application to the Finnish circumstances is explained as stipulated in Article 3; policies and practicies as well as inventories are summarised as stipulated in Article 32; and the implementation of each of the Articles 4 to 28 of the Convention is evaluated. Based on the evaluation, it is the understanding of the Finnish authorities that the Finnish nuclear, radiation and waste safety regulations fulfil the obligations of the Convention; the Finnish regulatory infrastructure is in compliance with the Convention obligations; the regulatory and licensing policies and the practical implementation of the national spent fuel and radioactive waste management programme comply with the Convention obligations; there are some issues requiring further development to enhance safety; they are discussed in the report. In summary, Finnish authorities conclude that Finland has implemented the obligations of the Convention and meets the objectives of the Convention. This conclusion is submitted for consideration of other Contracting Parties. (orig.)