Finland has moved a step closer to becoming the first country to begin the permanent geological nuclear fuel disposal after the country’s radiation safety regulator concluded that Posiva Oy’s final disposal facility meets the required safety standards. The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) has issued a favourable statement to Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, confirming that Posiva’s encapsulation and final nuclear fuel disposal facility at Olkiluoto, Eurajoki, complies with the country’s nuclear safety legislation. If approved by the Finnish Government, the project would mark a global first, as no other geological repository for spent nuclear fuel has yet reached the operating licence stage. The regulator concluded there are no radiation or nuclear safety obstacles preventing the Government from issuing an operating licence. How Finland’s nuclear fuel disposal system worksPosiva’s disposal concept is designed to isolate high-level radioactive waste deep underground for extremely long timescales.