The Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) has issued its decision on the periodic safety assessment of the final disposal facility for Loviisa power plant’s low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste; the safety assessment was submitted by Fortum Power and Heat Oy in September 2020.
STUK states in its decision that the operating safety and long-term safety are at a good level in the final disposal facility for low- and intermediate-level waste, and the licensee has the necessary procedures and resources in place to continue safe operation.
The maintenance waste and solidified liquid waste generated during the operation of the power plant are disposed of in the final disposal facility located 110 metres underground in the power plant area. The final disposal facility has been in operation since 1998. It has also been planned to be expanded so that eventually the radioactive waste generated from the decommissioning of Loviisa power plant can also be placed there. Thus the plan is to dispose of all the radioactive waste generated at the Loviisa power plant into the Loviisa final disposal facility, with the exception of the spent nuclear fuel, which will be deposited for final disposal in Posiva Oy’s final disposal facility in Olkiluoto, Eurajoki.
STUK’s decision contains some requirements regarding, e.g., the development plan for the maintenance waste final disposal concept, already initiated by Fortum, and the safety assessment of radioactive waste generated elsewhere in Finland. Fortum will respond to the requirements by the deadlines.
Further information:
Thomas Buddas, Deputy Director, Loviisa nuclear power plant, tel. +358 10 455 3710
www.fortum.com/loviisa