Finland has issued the world’s first operating license for a final disposal facility for spent nuclear fuel, clearing Posiva Oy to encapsulate and permanently dispose of used reactor fuel deep underground until the end of 2070, the Finnish government announced.
The license covers fuel from the Olkiluoto and Loviisa nuclear power plants. It applies to a site in the Olkiluoto power plant area made up of an above-ground encapsulation plant and a repository, known as Onkalo, built more than 400 meters (about 1,300 feet) deep.
Climate and Environment Minister Sari Multala said it is “our responsibility across generations” to ensure nuclear power is used safely, from construction through to final disposal. After more than 40 years of systematic effort, she said, Finland will launch the first final disposal facility for spent nuclear fuel in the world.
The government acted after Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) issued a favorable statement on Aug. 4, 2026. STUK found that the facility meets the safety requirements of the Nuclear Energy Act and Decree, with due consideration for public and worker safety and environmental protection.
Posiva is responsible for the project’s safe implementation. Its owners, Teollisuuden Voima (TVO) and Fortum, must ensure the operations have sufficient financial resources.
S. tons) in spent fuel. That corresponds to about 3,300 disposal canisters. Once operations are fully established, the plan is to dispose of no more than 60 canisters a year.
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