The permit covers a facility for encapsulation in Simpevarp, Oskarshamn municipality, and a final repository in Forsmark, Östhammar municipality in Uppland.
It's a significant milestone for us to have received this environmental judgment, which sets the conditions for how we can now build and operate our nuclear fuel repository in Forsmark and our encapsulation facility in Oskarshamn, says Stefan Engdahl, CEO of Svensk Kärnbränslehantering, SKB, to TT.
This means that we can start building the nuclear fuel repository in Forsmark already at the turn of the year. We will begin with forest clearance, land filling, and building a bridge over the cooling water canal.
Can be appealed
But the final word has not been said. The decision can be appealed to the Land and Environment Court of Appeal.
I think the biggest weakness of the judgment is that they have completely disregarded long-term radiation safety, says Linda Birkedal, chairperson of the Environmental Organizations' Nuclear Waste Review (MKG).
She says that MKG has not yet decided whether to appeal the judgment.
The work can start even now if an appeal is lodged, according to the court's ruling, announces SKB.
Does not apply to new ones
The permit applies to the nuclear waste from the twelve reactors (six reactors in operation today) included in the ongoing Swedish nuclear power program, but does not apply to potential new nuclear reactors.
"SKB is allowed to deposit approximately 6,000 capsules with approximately 12,000 tons of nuclear waste in the final repository", writes the court.
The capsules will be placed at a depth of 500 meters.
"During the review, an investigation has been required into the risk of radioactive substances spreading in the environment over 100,000 years", writes the Land and Environment Court.
It was in the winter of 2022 that the government gave its final approval of the final repository in Forsmark. In 2011, SKB submitted its application to bury the waste.
The operation is expected to last for approximately 70 years.
