Sweden’s Regulator To Review Licence Application For Forsmark Repository

1 Feb (NucNet): Swedish waste management company SKB’s application for permission to build a deep geologic repository for spent nuclear fuel at Forsmark, north of Stockholm, is “sufficiently complete” to be examined, the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM) said. According to SSM, the Swedish public and various stakeholders have until 30 April 2016 to submit their comments on the application process. A final decision by the government is expected in 2017, SSM said. In November 2015, after a preliminary assessment, SSM said SKB’s choice of the Forsmark site was “the most suitable”, but additional considerations were needed before submitting a final opinion to the government. SKB is hoping construction and commissioning of the repository can be completed by 2028, when trial operations would begin. Commercial operation is scheduled for 2030. The application included a separate request to build an encapsulation facility for spent nuclear fuel at the existing Clab interim facility near Oskarshamn, southern Sweden, the statement said.