The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) would like to congratulate the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company (SKB) for receiving government approval to move forward on its Spent Used Fuel Repository project.

“It is exciting to see our international counterparts moving ahead,” said Laurie Swami, President and CEO of the NWMO. “Today’s announcement demonstrates the continued scientific consensus that a deep geological repository represents the best solution for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel.”

This scientific consensus has emerged out of many decades of collaboration between top scientists from around the world, working together to find a solution to the global issue of used nuclear fuel management.

The NWMO has a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship with SKB. Over the past fifteen years, our organization have worked together on a number of technical studies on the safety of deep geological repositories. We have participated in experiments at the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory, conducted joint international initiatives that include SKB and other waste management organizations, and facilitated collaboration with Canadian institutions, such as Western University. We look forward to continuing to share knowledge and experience as both projects advance into the next stages.

Beyond SKB, the NWMO has co-operation agreements in place with our counterparts in Belgium, Finland, France, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

A deep geological repository is the method being implemented by all countries with commercial nuclear power programs around the world. As these projects move forward, the NWMO will continue to monitor their progress to stay informed and learn from others, while continuing to share information about the NWMO’s innovative work.