Finland granted licence for Onkalo, world’s first permanent underground spent nuclear fuel repository
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Nuclear & new energy technology· Prelims·
Nuclear waste management and deep geological repositories: a key GS3 Science & Technology topic.
Why in news
Finland granted an operating licence for Onkalo, the world’s first permanent underground repository for spent nuclear fuel, to manage long-term radioactive waste.
Background
The Onkalo facility, managed by waste management company Posiva, is a $1.16bn underground repository designed to store 6,500 tonnes of uranium from five reactors. The project began construction 22 years ago and requires verification by STUK before opening.
Facts for Prelims
- FactOnkalo is the world's first permanent underground repository for spent nuclear fuel.
- FactThe facility is designed to store 6,500 tonnes of uranium from five reactors.
- FactPosiva is the waste management company responsible for the Onkalo facility.
- PostIlkka Poikolainen is the CEO of Posiva.
- FactThe Onkalo facility has a projected cost of $1.16bn.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the Onkalo facility, consider the following statements:
- The repository is managed by a government body called STUK.
- It is the world's first permanent underground repository for spent nuclear fuel.
- The facility is designed to store 10,000 tonnes of uranium from five reactors.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)2 only
- (c)1 and 2 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (b) 2 only — Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: It is managed by the waste management company Posiva. Statement 3 is incorrect: It is designed to store 6,500 tonnes of uranium.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the technical and environmental challenges associated with the long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel and the significance of deep geological repositories.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Geological integrity: Ensuring containment of radioactive isotopes against seismic activity and groundwater seepage over millennia
- Regulatory oversight: Balancing immediate waste management needs with long-term environmental safety standards and public liability
Keywords: Nuclear waste management · Deep geological repository · Radioactive waste · Sustainable energy · Environmental safety
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.