Excavation of the first five disposal tunnels completed

1.7.2022

Excavation of the first five actual final disposal tunnels of Posiva's spent nuclear fuel disposal facility ONKALO® has been completed. The total length of the tunnels is about 1700 meters. Their mining started at the beginning of May 2021.

According to program manager Kimmo Kemppainen, the completion of the excavation is an important milestone in the progress of the work on the final disposal facility.

- Now the construction of the final disposal tunnels continues with the strengthening of the tunnels and leveling of the tunnel floor, says Kemppainen.

The last section of the now excavated disposal tunnels was blown up on June 18, and the end of the tunnel was completed for the start of the next work phases just before Midsummer on June 21.

The excavation contractor was YIT Suomi Oy, which has been excavating tunnels for Posiva for several years.
Holes for approximately 180 disposal capsules will be drilled in the first five disposal tunnels.

(Text: Pasi Tuohimaa)