Fermi Energy and Deep Isolation, a US company engaged in the geological disposal of radioactive materials and nuclear waste, today signed a cooperation agreement to continue in-depth studies for the establishment of a deep geological disposal facility for nuclear waste in Estonia. The location and technology of the repository, if it is to be built, will have to be approved by the national regulator to be established.
"In order to continue with the Estonian nuclear programme, we need to be sure that there is a suitable and safe way for the disposal of spent fuel for our geology, and therefore we have decided to continue working with Deep Isolation to study the possible establishment of a deep well disposal facility in Estonia, in order to comply with the requirements of the European Union's Sustainable Funding Taxonomy," explained Kalev Kallemets, Member of the Board of Fermi Energia.
Compared with Finland and Sweden, for example, where large-scale nuclear waste repositories in granite rock, Deep Isolation offers a more suitable solution for countries with relatively low spent fuel generation. "With this solution, spent fuel is packaged in special capsules and placed about 1 km underground in crystalline bedrock for safe storage for human generations," Kallemets added.
"As Estonia moves forward with the construction of a new generation of small modular reactors to decarbonise the energy of the future, both policy makers and all Estonian citizens need reassurance that there is a safe and affordable way to dispose of spent fuel," said Chris Parker, Head of Deep Isolation's European arm. "That's why we're delighted to be able to continue working together."
Liz Muller, CEO of Deep Isolation, welcomed Estonia's decision to find solutions for the storage of spent fuel early on in the construction of the nuclear power plant. "The use of boreholes will make this possible and will also help other countries move towards climate neutrality."
Fermi Energia commissioned a potential small reactor nuclear power plant for waste disposal storage Preliminary study assessed the potential suitability of different areas in Estonia for deep rooted cavity storage. The study's preliminary assessment is that several areas could potentially be approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the future, if the need for a repository arises and is confirmed by more accurate measurements. Deep Isolation, in cooperation with the engineering firm Steiger, has been studying the conditions and locations for the construction of a deep geological disposal facility in Estonia.
Fermi Energia is a nuclear energy company founded in 2019 by Estonian nuclear energy experts and entrepreneurs, which plans to build a small reactor power plant in Estonia to help meet the country's climate targets and ensure security of supply.