Sweden’s nuclear fuel management company SKB has received an environmental permit to extend the final repository for short-lived radioactive waste at Forsmark, north of Stockholm in the east of the country.

SKB said the land and environment court permit regulates issues including noise, transport and other impacts on the environment. SKB was also granted permission to use and desalinate seawater that is needed during construction. This is to save on fresh water, which is in short supply in the region.

The court issued a ruling on preliminary work, which means SKB can start work above ground “in the near future”.