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Sweden begins construction of nuclear burial mound to bury radioactive waste in solid rock for 100.000 years

Written by Rafaela Fabris
Published 17/01/2025 às 01:10
Sweden begins construction of nuclear burial mound to bury radioactive waste in solid rock for 100.000 years
Sweden will bury radioactive waste in copper capsules, protected by special clay, inside tunnels dug 500 meters underground. This system is designed to ensure that the material remains isolated and safe for 100.000 years, without risk of contamination.

Sweden begins construction of an underground repository in Forsmark, designed to store 12.000 tons of radioactive waste in clay-shielded copper capsules buried 500 meters underground in 1,9 billion-year-old rocks, and is expected to operate until 2080.

When it comes to radioactive waste, the first question that comes to mind is: “What to do with waste that remains dangerous for thousands of years?” This challenging question led Sweden to create a revolutionary project: an underground repository to safely store nuclear waste for 100.000 years.

Why is storing radioactive waste so challenging?

Nuclear energy is a powerful source and relatively clean, but it comes with a price: the highly hazardous waste it generates.

Radioactive waste can emit dangerous radiation for millennia. This material not only harms human health, but also poses a threat to the environment, potentially contaminating soil, air and water for generations.

Most of the waste is temporarily stored in pools near the reactors, which is not a permanent solution. These deposits pose risks of leaks and accidents, especially in scenarios of natural disasters or human error.

The Forsmark project: technology and planning for the future

The capsules will be carefully placed in tunnels built into extremely old and stable bedrock. Remotely controlled machines will handle the entire process to ensure maximum safety and precision during storage.
The capsules will be carefully placed in tunnels built into extremely old and stable bedrock. Remotely controlled machines will handle the entire process to ensure maximum safety and precision during storage.

Sweden has taken a step forward with the construction of the Forsmark repository, located in Söderviken, near the Forsmark nuclear power plant.

The repository for the radioactive waste is being excavated in a 1,9 billion-year-old bedrock. This ancient and stable rock was chosen to ensure isolation and avoid any surface contamination.

The waste will be stored in 5-meter copper capsules, designed to resist corrosion. Each capsule will be encased in special clay, which acts as an additional barrier to protect against potential leaks.

The repository will feature a 60-kilometer network of tunnels. Over the course of 40 years, remote machines will place the capsules in the tunnels while new areas are excavated simultaneously.

Impact and controversies about the repository

Although it is an innovative solution, the Forsmark project faces challenges and criticism.

Swedish NGOs have raised concerns about the long-term safety of radioactive waste. Research suggests that copper casings may experience corrosion problems over time, increasing the risk of groundwater contamination.

Despite criticism, the Forsmark repository is an example of responsible nuclear waste management. It offers a safe, long-term alternative to temporary solutions that leave risks for future generations.

A crucial step towards the future of nuclear energy

The Swedish repository is not just a local solution, but a global model.

As nuclear power expands, the world needs definitive solutions to deal with waste. Countries like Finland are already adopting similar approaches, and others can learn from Sweden’s experience.

Nuclear energy is a key piece in the fight against climate change. However, its success depends on safe strategies for dealing with radioactive waste. The Forsmark project is proof that it is possible to balance clean energy and environmental responsibility.

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Leandro
Leandro
17/01/2025 18:43

“Let’s bury this ****. We solved our problem. F…o the future…100.000 years?…who will be here to complain?”

Rafaela Fabris

He talks about innovation, renewable energy, oil and gas. With over 1.200 articles published in the CPG, he updates daily on opportunities in the Brazilian job market. Suggestions for topics: rafafabris11@gmail.com

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