The License Application for the KBS-3 System as a Step Towards Implementation of Final Disposal in Sweden

Abstract

The nuclear power utilities in Sweden were in 1976 given the responsibility for final disposal of radioactive waste from their power production. The utilities formed the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Co (SKB). A large part of the system that is needed to manage and dispose of the waste from operation of the reactors has been built up during this time. The system consists of the interim storage facility for spent nuclear fuel (Clab), the final repository for short-lived radioactive waste (SFR), plus the ship m/s Sigyn and casks for transport. What remains to be done is to build and commission the system of facilities, the KBS-3 system, needed for final disposal. This includes extending Clab with a plant for encapsulation of the spent nuclear fuel, casks for transport of spent fuel canisters, and building a final repository where the canisters will be deposited. For the low- and intermediate-level waste it will be necessary to add an extension to SFR, build a repository for long-lived radioactive waste (SFL) and casks for shipments of long-lived waste.

The site selection process for the final repository for spent nuclear fuel was initiated in 1992. In June 2009 SKB announced Forsmark as the selected site after general siting studies on the national and municipal level and finally comprehensive investigations of two sites. SKB has now submitted license applications according to the Act on Nuclear Activities and the Environmental Code for a geological repository at Forsmark and an encapsulation plant in Oskarshamn. The review by the regulatory bodies has just begun and a Government decision can be expected after roughly three years. After the necessary licenses have been obtained construction of the shafts and a ramp to repository depth (close to 500 m) can commence. The layout of the current plans is to begin construction of the Nuclear Fuel Repository and the encapsulation plant in 2015 and 2016, respectively, and some eight years later to commence trial operation. The first copper canister with spent fuel is expected to be deposited around 2025.

SKB is now ready to change the emphasis of work towards more of industrial accomplishment of a final repository for spent nuclear fuel in Forsmark. Within a few years SKB will also include a considerable construction department. The SKB organisation for the nuclear fuel programme is adapting to the new phase in the process towards final disposal. In parallel for the low and intermediate level programme, SKB plans to submit applications under the Nuclear Activities Act and the Environmental Code for the extension of SFR at the end of 2013.