Government grants Fortum a licence to operate the disposal facility for Loviisa nuclear power plant’s low and intermediate level waste

On 30 March 2023, the Government granted Fortum Power and Heat Oy an operating licence for the disposal facility for low and intermediate level waste, located in the Loviisa power plant area. The new licence, which will be in force until 2090, will replace the current one expiring in 2055.

In addition to the disposal of nuclear waste generated during the power plant’s operation, the new licence allows the disposal of nuclear waste generated in the decommissioning and dismantling of the plant.

The intention is to use the disposal facility to dispose of all the low and intermediate level waste generated during the Loviisa power plant’s operation and decommissioning as well as small amounts of radioactive waste generated elsewhere in Finland. The first such waste will be the decommissioning waste from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland’s research reactor FiR 1 and research laboratory for radioactive materials.

The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) previously stated in its safety assessment of the Loviisa disposal facility that both the operating safety and the long-term safety of the facility are good. STUK also noted that the licence holder has the necessary procedures and resources to continue the safe operation of the facility. Fortum Power and Heat Oy is prepared for nuclear waste management and pays fees to the Nuclear Waste Management Fund in accordance with the decisions of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

The Loviisa disposal facility has been in operation since 1998. It is located in the power plant area at a depth of 110 metres. The spent nuclear fuel generated at the Loviisa power plant will eventually be disposed of in Posiva Oy’s disposal facility in Eurajoki. Posiva is jointly owned by Fortum and Teollisuuden Voima Oyj.

Inquiries: 
Linda Kumpula, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 060 125
Liisa Heikinheimo, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 035