The World's First Nuclear Waste Tomb Is Nearly Ready to Open

Finland’s Onkalo deep underground repository is close to starting operations after final regulatory review.

Built in stable bedrock in Eurajoki, it is designed to store spent nuclear fuel safely for up to 100,000 years.

The facility uses copper canisters, bentonite clay, and sealed tunnels to isolate radioactive waste long term.

If approved, Onkalo could become the world’s first permanent underground repository for spent nuclear fuel and a model for others.