Government grants operating licence for Posiva’s spent nuclear fuel encapsulation and final disposal facility

On 22 October 2026, the Finnish Government granted Posiva Oy a licence to operate an encapsulation plant and final disposal facility for spent nuclear fuel in Olkiluoto, Eurajoki until the end of 2070. This is the first final disposal facility for spent nuclear fuel in the world to receive an operating licence.

The operating licence authorises Posiva to encapsulate and permanently dispose of spent nuclear fuel from the Olkiluoto and Loviisa nuclear power plants. Posiva is responsible for the safe implementation of the project. Posiva’s owners Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO) and Fortum Power and Heat Oy (Fortum) are responsible for ensuring the sufficient financial prerequisites of the operations.

The Government was able to grant an operating licence following a favourable statement concerning the facility issued by the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) on 4 August 2026. According to the statement, the encapsulation and final disposal facility for spent nuclear fuel built by Posiva in Olkiluoto meets the safety requirements laid down in the Nuclear Energy Act and Decree. Due consideration has been given to the safety of the population and facility workers, as well as to environmental protection.

“Finland’s strong safety culture underpins the production of clean energy. It is our responsibility across generations to ensure the safe and responsible use of nuclear power, from construction through to the final disposal of spent fuel. As a result of more than 40 years of systematic efforts, Finland will launch the first final disposal facility for spent nuclear fuel in the world,” says Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala.

The operating licence applies to a nuclear facility located in the Olkiluoto power plant area, which consists of an above-ground encapsulation plant and a final disposal repository, or Onkalo, built at a depth of over 400 metres.