In Finland, the world's first facility to bury nuclear waste is set to begin operations

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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Finland is preparing to open the world’s first permanent nuclear waste repository, known as Onkalo nuclear waste repository, after more than two decades of construction

🔭 The context: Located on the island of Olkiluoto and developed by Posiva Oy, the €1 billion facility will store spent nuclear fuel more than 400 meters underground in copper canisters surrounded by protective clay
• Authorities are expected to issue a final operating license in the coming months

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Permanent geological storage is considered the most viable long-term solution for nuclear waste, which can remain radioactive for tens of thousands of years
• If successful, Finland’s model could shape how countries manage nuclear waste as nuclear energy expands in climate strategies

⏭️ What’s next: The repository will begin accepting waste from Finland’s nuclear reactors
• It is expected to operate until the 2120s, potentially serving as a global reference for future nuclear waste disposal systems

💬 One quote: “There’s no good option, but it’s important to find the least bad option,” - Edwin Lyman

📈 One stat: The Onkalo nuclear waste repository will be able to store about 6,500 tons of spent nuclear fuel deep underground

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