Although solutions to the disposal and management of spent nuclear fuel have proven elusive for virtually all nuclear power countries, Sweden is among the most furthest along in solving this problem. Under Swedish law, license holders are responsible for ensuring the safe management and final disposal of radioactive materials and waste. Thus, Swedish utilities collectively formed SKB—the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company—to execute plans for the management of both low- and intermediate-level waste and high-level waste. In seeking a site for a spent fuel repository, SKB has been conducting siting studies since the 1970s, which led to further investigations and decisions that culminated in the selection of Forsmark as the final repository site. A license application for the repository (and attendant encapsulation plant) was submitted in 2011, and pending official approval, SKB expects construction to start in the 2020s and receipt of spent fuel waste canisters to commence by the 2030s.
