Luvata Pori Manufactures Copper Billets for Spent Nuclear Fuel Disposal Canisters

Image: Posiva

Luvata Pori plays a critical role in the safe final disposal of spent nuclear fuel, by manufacturing copper billets for the material of disposal canisters. Since the late 1990s, the company has partnered with Posiva, the first in the world to begin the safe final disposal of spent nuclear fuel and the responsible licensee for the canister.

Launching the world’s first safe final disposal of spent nuclear fuel deep into the bedrock requires extensive research, innovation and cooperation. After decades of testing and development, Luvata Pori delivered the first production-grade components for disposal canisters to Posiva in autumn 2025.

“Being involved in this project for nearly three decades has required significant development of our processes to meet the strict requirements of final disposal. We are proud to say that today Luvata Pori can manufacture large enough, high quality castings efficiently and in compliance with these standards”, says Pasi Ranne, Vice President, Metallurgical Applications, at Luvata Pori.

Luvata Pori manufactures two types of copper components for Posiva. The first is a machined copper casting preform that will later be precision-shaped into the outer shell of the nuclear fuel final disposal canister. The second is a pair of copper lid and base, components that seal the copper canister through welding.

Unique Manufacturing Capabilities

Luvata Pori’s expertise in the Posiva partnership lies in producing exceptionally large preforms that meet strict requirements for purity and size. Each preform is made from extremely pure copper, measures 90 centimeters in diameter, and weighs approximately 12 tons in kilograms. This is unique even by global standards.

“The enormous copper casting preform is the material for the end-product which is a tube-shaped copper canister. Copper is ideal for the canister’s outer shell because it offers exceptional resistance to corrosion”, explains Sini Salminen Production Manager, Metallurgical Applications, at Luvata Pori.

The ability to produce large copper billets has opened doors to other projects and new business opportunities for Luvata Pori.

Moreover, contributing to the safe and efficient final disposal of spent nuclear fuel aligns with Luvata’s sustainability commitments. It supports the continued use of environmentally friendly nuclear energy in Finland and, in the long term, is expected to create jobs in the surrounding region.