Ecology, Energy, Estonia, Financial Services, Legislation

Since the interim storage facility at Paldiski is a temporary solution and it isn't possible to deposit waste there in necessary amounts in the long term, a final disposal facility for this purpose has to be set up by 2040 at the latest, it stands in the memorandum of the Cabinet sitting.

"Work to set up the final repository has to be started immediately because we are speaking of a very long and complex process where the environmental impact assessment and obtaining of permits may take up to ten years judging by international practice," Minister of Environment Marko Pomerants said.

The minister said that according to preliminary studies building of the final repository, demolition of the former nuclear reactor sections, handling of the waste thus created and final repositing during the period from 2017-2050 will cost 89.1 million euros.

"In addition to safety a final repository is also a cheaper option for the state in the long term, compared with maintaining the existing main building that contains the reactor sections and the interim storage facility," the minister said.

All radioactive waste created in Estonia is now deposited at the interim storage facility in Paldiski, which is a temporary solution considering the hazard the waste poses to people's health and the surrounding environment.

The government will probably discuss the proposal of the Ministry of Environment later this month.