Spent Nuclear Fuel

Oskarshamn has had nuclear reactors since 1972 and since 1995 is considered for a final disposal of spent nuclear fuel . A central storage for spent fuel is operation in the municipality since 1985.

Siting of radioactive waste facilities generates many questions among people. On one hand most people agree that we need to take care of our waste but on the other hand few are prepared to accept that it will take place in their neighbourhood. In Oskarshamn two principles have been guiding our participation in this work: complete opennessand public influence. In co-operation between all political parties a model to achieve this openness and influence has been developed. We call this the Oskarshamn model and it contains seven main points:

• Total openness and participation – all information must be available for anyone who is interested. There must be opportunity to influence.
• The environmental impact assessment as the structure for a dialogue -with integrity -between the parties.
• The municipality council as reference group. Knowledgeable elected politicians responsible towards the voters.
• Concrete involvement of the citizens by presentations of clear identification of alternatives and study results. The public a resource.
• Work with the environmental groups and see them as a resource.
• Continuos involvement of the regulators "people experts".
• Stretching of the nuclear industry. Put questions to the industry and demand clear answers. By stretching of the issues it can be possible to sort out the facts from the value judgements.

For the city the engagement in the nuclear waste programme has contributed to a development of methods that has increased the democracy.