Canada's plan

The NWMO congratulates Sweden's SKB as government approves repository for used nuclear fuel

NWMO president and CEO, Laurie Swami (right), signing a co-operation agreement with SKB in Toronto on May 14, 2018

NWMO president and CEO, Laurie Swami (right), signing a co-operation agreement with SKB in Toronto on May 14, 2018

January 28, 2022

Toronto, Ont.

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NWMO president and CEO, Laurie Swami (right), signing a co-operation agreement with SKB in Toronto on May 14, 2018

NWMO president and CEO, Laurie Swami (right), signing a co-operation agreement with SKB in Toronto on May 14, 2018

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.

About the NWMO

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel inside a deep geological repository, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

Founded in 2002, the NWMO has been guided for more than 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Holders that are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management. Canada’s plan will only proceed in an area with informed and willing hosts, where the municipality, First Nation and Métis communities, and others in the area are working together to implement it. The NWMO plans to select a site in 2024, and two areas remain in our site selection process: the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace area in northwestern Ontario and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation-South Bruce area in southern Ontario.

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