The submission of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority’s (STUK) safety statement and the accompanying safety assessment to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment regarding Posiva’s operating licence application for its spent nuclear fuel disposal facility has been delayed since the end of June.

“Posiva has submitted the required documentation and supplementary reports to STUK. Their assesment has been completed, and we do not expect any further material,” says Director Jaakko Leino.

“There is no new or specific reason for the delay since the end of June. It has been known that the scope of the material, previously identified deficiencies, and the additional clarifications provided on that basis would require time for review. We are currently finalising the safety assessment and the statement, which will be submitted to the Ministry as soon as they are completed,” Jaakko Leino states.

STUK will issue further information on the matter after submitting the safety statement and assessment to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

The Finnish Government grants the operating licence for Posiva’s encapsulation and disposal facility. The licence can only be granted if STUK’s safety statement supports its approval.

Posiva’s fi­nal dis­po­sal solution is the first of its kind in the world, and demonstrating its long-term safety is a demanding task.