Building for the future
After decades of research, development and safety work, SKB now have three major construction projects under way.
Future projects
Unique construction projects
We are now extending the final repository for short-lived radioactive waste and constructing one of the world’s first final repositories for spent nuclear fuel. This work is the result of more than 40 years of research and technological development, and involves investments in the multi-billion-kronor class.
At Forsmark in Östhammar Municipality, we are extending the existing final repository for short-lived radioactive waste, SFR. This is where we will also build the Spent Fuel Repository, one of the world’s first final repositories for spent nuclear fuel. In addition we will build an encapsulation plant for the spent nuclear fuel in Oskarshamn.
The construction projects involve a total investment of SEK 19 billion, which will generate around 1,500 jobs in the long term.
You can read more below about our various projects.
Extending SFR
Full speed ahead on the extension
The existing final repository is now being extended to create space for low-level and intermediate-level decommissioning waste from the Swedish nuclear power plants. Preparatory work above ground has been taking place for two years, and rock excavation work started in January 2025.
Spent Fuel Repository
Spent Fuel Repository to be built in 1.9 billion-year-old rock
The Spent Fuel Repository is to be located in Söderviken, near the Forsmark nuclear power plant. It is here, at a depth of about 500 metres in the 1.9 billion-year-old rock, that the final repository for around 12,000 tonnes of spent nuclear fuel is to be built.
Encapsulation plant
Fuel encapsulated in copper
Before the spent nuclear fuel is transported to Forsmark for final disposal, it must be placed in copper canisters. This will take place in an encapsulation plant, which is being built to adjoin the interim storage facility in Oskarshamn.
The Last Repository
Final Repository for Long-lived Waste
Alongside the extension of the Final Repository for Short-Lived Radioactive Waste and the construction of the Spent Fuel Repository, SKB is also planning a final repository for long-lived waste, This project is not as far advanced as the others.
Licensing
SKB’s licensing processes
SKB’s applications are reviewed in accordance with the Swedish Nuclear Activities Act by the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, and with reference to the Swedish Environmental Code by the Land and Environmental Court.
International
What other countries are doing
No country in the world has yet built a final repository for spent nuclear fuel. Finland, Sweden and France are the countries that have made the most progress.