Sweden is taking bold steps towards solving one of the most significant challenges of nuclear energy: the safe disposal of radioactive waste.

Located in Forsmark, about 87 miles north of Stockholm, the Forsmark Nuclear Repository is designed to securely store spent nuclear fuel deep underground, isolating it for up to 100,000 years.

Sweden’s reliance on nuclear power remains strong despite its leadership in renewable energy. It plays a crucial role in the country’s energy mix, and Forsmark is central to its long-term strategy for handling nuclear waste.

The facility is operated by the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company (SKB), which has been working since the 1980s to develop a permanent solution.

The repository, situated 500 meters (1,640 feet) below ground in a stable granite rock formation, makes it an ideal location for waste storage. The surrounding rock has been geologically stable for billions of years, ensuring that the waste will remain contained without risk of contamination.

Its design relies on multiple barriers to isolate the nuclear waste. The radioactive materials are encased in copper canisters, surrounded by bentonite clay, a material that absorbs moisture. Together, these layers form a protective shield that will last for millennia, providing long-term security for the country’s nuclear waste.

The project’s location is a crucial factor in its success, but the design has also sparked political debate. The Swedish government strongly supports Forsmark, but some local residents have voiced concerns about potential safety risks. Despite these concerns, authorities have prioritised transparency, with extensive public consultations to ensure the community’s involvement.

Approval for the repository came in 2009 after years of research and careful planning, and the remaining cost of the program is estimated to stand at £8.4billion.

Extensive studies of the region’s geology and hydrology were conducted, ensuring the site’s suitability. The approval process was not, however, without setbacks, as the complexities of nuclear waste disposal prompted debates over safety and environmental impact.

SKB has also faced significant technical challenges in constructing the repository. Drilling deep into the granite rock to study its suitability for long-term waste storage was no easy task. The company needed to ensure that the site’s geological features would prevent any leakage of radioactive materials into the surrounding environment.

The site is part of a broader international effort to address nuclear waste management. Countries like Finland and France have launched similar projects, and Forsmark is often cited as a global leader in this field.

Its success could set a precedent for other nations facing the same dilemma of safe waste disposal.

The company has moved to ease concerns by holding various community outreach meetings and public hearings to provide information on the site.

Construction of the underground vaults began in the 2010s, and the facility is set to begin operations in the coming years. Once completed, it will provide a secure location for storing Sweden’s nuclear waste for thousands of years.

Proponents also point towards the fact that Forsmark is more than just a waste storage site—it is a research hub. Scientists will monitor the performance of the repository over time, ensuring that it continues to meet safety standards. Forsmark’s research will also contribute to the development of new technologies for managing nuclear waste more effectively.