The Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company (SKB) has started systems engineering and safety analysis work for a planned encapsulation plant, Clink, at Oskarshamn. The work began in June and will run until mid-2020.
SKB is currently seeking a licence to build an integrated system for the final disposal of used nuclear fuel and radioactive waste at the Oskarshamn site in south-east Sweden. The application also includes plans for the construction of Clink, an integrated facility for interim storage and encapsulation of spent nuclear fuel. Clink will comprise the current spent fuel pool storage facility (Clab) and a new facility for encapsulation of spent nuclear fuel.
The systems engineering and safety work will form the basis for licensing by Sweden’s radiation safety authority (SSM). SKB said the work is split into five parts, with contracts totalling SEK400 million ($46 million) awarded to Babcock Noell GmbH, Sweco Industry AB and Vattenfall.
Architect-engineering firm Sweco said its role is to finalise the planning, design and technical building services for the plant, as well as its safety, control and power supply systems. Sweco will also create system-level requirements and solutions, a preliminary safety report, budget calculations, procurement documentation for suppliers and contractors, and detailed design. The contract value for Sweco could surpass SEK200 million provided that SKB obtains all necessary authorisations.
Babcock Noell is engaged in work relating to the process for encapsulating fuel in copper canisters for delivery to the final repository.
Vattenfall has been hired to complete the preliminary safety report.
Sweden’s regulator, SSM, is expected to issue its final opinion on the repository and encapsulation plant in 2017. SKB’s CEO Eva Halldén said that construction of Clink could begin in the early 2020s, subject to receiving licensing.
Photo: Sweden's repository plans (Credit: SKB/KällaLasse Modin)
