Educational Tour in Finland

A delegation of representatives from South Bruce had the opportunity to tour the Onkalo Spent Fuel Repository in Finland, which is set to be the world’s first operational deep geological repository (DGR) for high-level nuclear waste. The educational trip from July 2-7, 2023, was organized to provide an opportunity for South Bruce and neighboring community members to gain a better understanding of the operations, impacts, and effects associated with such a facility. This is important because South Bruce is one of the final two siting areas being considered for the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) Project to store Canada’s used nuclear fuel in a deep geological repository. Participants from South Bruce included representatives from Council, Community Liaison Committee (CLC), staff and members of community groups Protect Our Waterways and Willing to Listen. Representatives from the Municipality of Brockton, the Township of Huron-Kinloss, the NWMO and their Council of Knowledge Holders also attended the tour.

In addition to touring the repository that is currently under construction, and expected to begin operations in 2024, the group toured the Encapsulation Plant and the Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant. Participants also had the opportunity to engage with the local community and meet with Mayor Vesa Lakaniemi, of Eurajoki. He shared a presentation outlining community experiences as a host community.

What we learned:

Attendees were asked to work in groups to share their experiences from the educational tour. Each member has an assigned subtopic to present on for three minutes and will be given two minutes to provide general reflections on the trip. The total presentation time for each group is between 15 and 20 minutes. Presentation slide shows from the Community Liaison Committee meeting on August 3, 2023 are linked below.

1. Onkalo Repository and Associated Facilities

2. Community Engagement

3. Phases of the Finnish Project

Learn more:

Posiva Oy - An expert organization in environmental technology, which was established in 1995. It is tasked with handling the final disposal of the spent nuclear fuel generated by its owners. The company handles research, development and design work aimed at final disposal, and manages the construction and entire operating life of the encapsulation plant and final disposal facility.

Posiva Solutions - A subsidiary of Posiva Oy. Posiva Solutions focuses on the sales of the know-how Posiva has accumulated over the last 40 years from its research and development, site selection, design, construction and stakeholder engagement activities in the final disposal of spent nuclear fuel. A presentation was given by Mika Pohjonen, Managing Director of Posiva Solutions to the delegation.

Onkalo Spent Nuclear Fuel Repository - In 2015, Posiva received the disposal facility construction license from the Finnish Government. The repository in Onkalo is constructed to a depth of 400–430 m. Onkalo consists of a spiral-shaped access tunnel, four vertical shafts (personnel shaft, canister shaft and two ventilation shafts), tunnels and technical rooms. 

Encapsulation Plant - Spent fuel is safely sealed in the disposal canisters at the encapsulation plant. The encapsulation plant developed by Posiva has a lot of unique technology, but the design has utilized experience from fuel processing plants designed in different parts of the world.

STUK (Finnish Nuclear Regulator) - The purpose of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority’s (STUK) operations is to protect people, society, the environment and future generations from the harmful effects of radiation.

Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO) Nuclear Facility Website - TVO is a limited liability company founded in 1969. The nuclear power plant operated by TVO in Olkiluoto in the municipality of Eurajoki has produced electricity for Finnish consumption for 40 years. 

Eurajoki - The host municipality of Posiva's Spent Nuclear Fuel Repository, Encapsulation Plant and TVO's Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant.

World Nuclear Association – Finland - A detailed description of Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant reactors.