How is radioactive waste generated in a nuclear power plant categorised? Waste generated in the operation of the plant is primarily categorised as low and medium-level waste. Nuclear fuel is categorised as high-level waste.
Why can't low and medium-level waste be burnt? Burning is possible and in some countries low and medium-level waste is burnt. TVO has selected a comprehensive solution based on low and medium-level waste being emplaced as such in the operating waste repository referred to as the VLJ repository.
Are the silos of the VLJ repository big enough? The silos accommodate the amount of waste generated during the entire service life of the OL1 and OL2 plant units. According to current estimates, the lifespan will be 60 years, i.e. the silos are now about half full. The repository is to be expanded in the future as needed, for example for the operating waste generated at OL3.
How much operating waste is produced? Low and medium-level operating waste comprises waste from maintenance activities and filter resin used in the treatment of the process water. The total amount of operating waste generated per year is about 200 cubic-metres. If the waste generated in one year is divided evenly, half a barrel of each waste type is produced every day.
Is protective clothing always disposable? No. Cotton overalls, shoe covers and coats for visitors are washed and reused.
Who is responsible for the final disposal of spent fuel from Olkiluoto nuclear power plant units? Posiva Oy was founded to carry out the final disposal of spent fuel on behalf of its owner companies, TVO and Fortum Power and Heat Oy. All the expertise in final disposal of nuclear fuel gathered in the founder companies over the decades was transferred to Posiva, when it was founded. No public funding has been or will be used for the operation of Posiva. Read more on Posiva's web site.