SKB Presents New Research Programme

SKB has submitted its eighteenth research programme to the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority. The report provides a comprehensive overview of progress made and outlines SKB’s future research direction.

Every three years, SKB presents a Research, Development and Demonstration programme for the management of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. The programme, prepared on behalf of SKB’s owners and required under the Swedish Nuclear Activities Act, describes SKB’s plans for research, development and demonstration activities over the coming six years.

The RD&D Programme 2025 covers all aspects of handling and final disposal of nuclear waste and spent fuel from nuclear power plants, with particular emphasis on non-licenced operations.

Eva Andersson, Head of Research and Development.

– Since the last reporting, SKB has obtained several important decisions and permits, and to avoid duplicate review we are focusing in this report on non-licenced activities, says Eva Andersson, SKB’s Head of Research and Development.

Several important milestones have been achieved during the past RD&D period. SKB has, for instance, initiated preparatory ground works for the Spent Nuclear Fuel Repository in Forsmark, and expansion of the final repository for short-lived radioactive waste, SFR, is ongoing. In a few years, construction of the encapsulation facility in Oskarshamn will also commence.

– The Swedish nuclear waste programme has reached a stage where we have answers to many of the questions we once posed. SKB has a long history of research that will continue to be a vital part of its operations. With key permits now in place, the focus shifts toward technological development and optimisation, says Eva Andersson.

The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority will now review SKB’s RD&D Programme before the Government makes its final decision.