Lessons From Sweden on Spent Nuclear Fuel: A Conversation with Johan Swahn - Episode 93

As Wyoming considers its role in the future of nuclear energy—including proposals around spent nuclear fuel storage—it's essential to examine how other countries have approached the same challenge. In this episode of Eye on the Issues, we welcome Johan Swahn, former director of Sweden's NGO Office for Nuclear Waste Review and longtime advisor on nuclear transparency and safety. With decades of experience reviewing the science, regulation, and engineering behind Sweden's nuclear waste program, Johan offers a grounded look at how Sweden and Finland have approached permanent repository development, the science behind copper canisters, and the complexity of planning for 100,000-year containment. Johan also discusses the public trust dynamics in Scandinavia, the role of environmental watchdogs in technical review processes, and why some of the choices made decades ago are still being debated today. At Wyoming Liberty Group, our role is to inform, clarify, and support good public policy decisions. We believe it's vital for Wyoming citizens and lawmakers to have access to complete, honest information—especially when the issues are as long-lasting and complex as nuclear waste. This interview is part of our effort to bring global lessons into Wyoming's local conversation.