Finland to turn nuclear plant waste into clean energy

Rauman Biovoima’s CHP plant in Rauma. PIC COURTESY/Rauman

Finnish energy companies Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO) and Rauman Biovoima Oy have announced a new venture to recycle waste from the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant. The project will send maintenance waste from Olkiluoto to Rauman Biovoima's combined heat and power (CHP) plant in Rauma for energy production. This marks the first time that nuclear power plant waste of this type will be recycled in Finland.

The pilot batch of waste is scheduled for transfer from the three-unit Olkiluoto plant to Rauman Biovoima by the end of November. The waste involved in this project is exempt from radiation control and has been declared safe for people and the environment. It includes items such as overalls, gloves, and plastic coverings. Materials unsuitable for incineration are removed before transfer.

Previously, similar waste was buried, which was more expensive and required land resources. By recycling the waste, the companies can save costs and reduce land use. TVO estimates that Olkiluoto produces about 30-80 cubic meters of maintenance waste suitable for incineration every year.

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