Laxemar

Laxemar is a locality in Oskarshamn Municipality, Kalmar County, Sweden. It lies on the Baltic Sea coast on the Simpevarp peninsula, near the town of Oskarshamn, within the historical province of Småland. The area forms part of the broader Simpevarp region and is characterized by coastal forests and rural terrain.

Laxemar is best known for its role in Sweden’s program to locate a deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel. Since the late 1990s, the Laxemar–Simpevarp area has undergone extensive site investigations conducted by the nuclear waste management company SKB, including geological, hydrogeological, environmental, and biosphere studies. These investigations were undertaken to evaluate the long-term safety and feasibility of hosting a repository in the area, alongside other candidate sites.

Nearby research infrastructure has supported the work in the region. The Aespoe Hard Rock Laboratory, located close to Laxemar, provides underground facilities for rock mechanics, hydrogeology, and related studies that inform repository design and safety assessments.

Geographically, the landscape combines boreal forest, shoreline, and agricultural land. The locality itself has a small resident population, with services in the nearby town of Oskarshamn where residents commonly access amenities and infrastructure. Laxemar’s prominence derives from its scientific significance rather than population size, reflecting its role in long-running national discussions about nuclear waste management and site characterization.