SKB is Ready to Submit the Applications for Permits to Build a Final Repository for Spent Nuclear Fuel

STOCKHOLM, October 1, 2010 - The Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company (SKB) is today
submitting its latest RD&D programme to the Swedish Radiation Safety
Authority. Based on the programme SKB now has the knowledge to submit the
applications to build a final repository for spent nuclear fuel in Forsmark.
SKB plans to submit the applications in March 2011.

According to the Swedish Nuclear Activities Act, SKB and its owners are
required to present the knowledge and research status within the nuclear fuel
area every third year.

"We are pleased to say that, after more than 30 years of research and
development, SKB will now complete the applications for permits to build a
final repository for spent nuclear fuel in Forsmark, north of Stockholm,"
says Claes Thegerström, CEO, SKB.

The research programme involves a systematic review of the present
situation and future plans within all areas where SKB is conducting research
and technical development. The now developed methodology for safety analysis
allows SKB to demonstrate that we can fulfill the authorities highly set
safety requirements. The programme is currently focusing on getting a deeper
understanding of the natural changes that may occur in a geological
repository in the long-term.

The plans for management and disposal of the low- and intermediate level
waste are being developed and detailed in the Fud-programme 2010, which was
requested in the authorities' review of the Fud-programme in 2007. Among
other activities SKB is planning to submit the applications to expand the
capacity of the existing final repository for short-lived radioactive waste,
SFR, by 2013. The extended facility is expected to become operational in
2020.

"Based on all the scientific and technical work that has been compiled
over the years, we can now take the next step in the Swedish nuclear waste
programme. SKB will, however, continue its work on research and development.
The management of spent nuclear fuel will continue to be conducted with the
best knowledge even in the future," Claes Thegerström finishes.

SKB is planning to submit its applications to the Swedish Radiation
Safety Authority and the Environmental Court in March 2011. Dependant upon a
positive outcome from the review of the applications the construction of the
nuclear fuel repository can be started in 2015, with an estimated start of
disposal operations by 2025.

Facts on the Fud-process:

Every third year SKB presents a programme for its research- and
development activity, the Fud-programme. The Swedish Radiation Safety
Authority conducts an expert review and gives its own statement to the
government. In addition the Swedish National Council for Nuclear Waste
conducts a separate review and also gives a statement to the government. The
process is then completed by the government taking a final position on the
programme.

Contact: Jimmy Larsson-Hagberg; Press Relations Manager; Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company, SKB. +46-8-459-84-83; jimmy.larsson-hagberg at skb.se;