Minister Síkela visited the first deep radioactive waste repository Onkalo in Finland

" Nuclear energy plays an important role in the energy mix of both the Czech Republic and Finland. Its role in electricity production will increase over time. Therefore, together with ARWR, we are now working on the selection of a suitable location for a deep repository of radioactive waste. It is a safe and long-term solution to protect the environment and the population, which will enable the development of nuclear energy" says Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela, adding: "The planned start of trial operation in Onkalo, Finland, serves as a model for other countries and a demonstration of safety and integrity of such a device. I am glad that in addition to our delegation, the representatives of the affected regions, with whom we regularly discuss the selection of the location, were able to personally see it on the spot."

The delegation took part in a professional visit to the Finnish deep repository Onkalo, which is designed and operated by Posiva. The visit provided a unique opportunity to understand state-of-the-art technologies in the field of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel management. ARWR Director Lukáš Vondrovic was part of the delegation:

"The technical solution that the Finns have chosen for their Onkalo can and is in many ways a model for us. Even though they are several steps ahead of us, we are connected to them, for example, by the type of rock in which the repository is located, the depth of the repository and a number of other technical elements. Last but not least, also the responsibility with which both our countries take care of their radioactive waste. We have been cooperating with the Finnish side for a long time in many projects, most recently we have the unique opportunity to participate in the Trial run event, which will allow our experts to be directly present at the start of trial operation."

The Onkalo facility is located on the Olkiluoto peninsula and represents a ground-breaking project in the field of high-level radioactive waste disposal by depositing spent nuclear fuel in a deep geological formation. This visit gave the members of the delegation an insight into the security measures, research and innovation associated with such an ambitious project, which will be tested during this year. More information about the Onkalo project are available on the website of Posiva Solutions Oy.