Finland extends its existing nuclear power plant

Finland has just taken a decision that could mark the Finnish nuclear landscape in the long term. After obtaining the agreement of the government parties, including the Greens, Minister of the Economy Mika Lintilä announced that the nuclear power plant near Loviisa - whose life was initially planned to last until 2027 and 2030 - will be extended until 2050. This measure is intended to be a significant investment to ensure a positive climate balance and reliable electricity for another 30 years.

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Finland announced on Thursday the extension to 70 years, or until 2050, of the life of its oldest nuclear power plant. The plant located near Loviisa, in the south-east of the country, is equipped with two VVER-440 reactors developed during the USSR era and commissioned in 1977 and 1980. In recent years, the operator of the site, the state-owned Fortum Group, had invested more than 300 million euros to support this expansion.

 

Suspicions dispelled about Finnish intentions

When the Social Democratic government led by Sanna Marin came to power in 2019, a contract was made between the parties that make up the same government such as the Greens so that the plant can still produce until 2050. The Local Ecologist Party differs from other European parties because it remains open to the civil use of the atom, even though it has a very good climate record.

 

With Olkiluoto: a complete portrait of the Finnish nuclear landscape

In addition to Loviisa and its two earlier reactors, Finland also has a power plant at Olkiluoto in the southwest comprising three reactors: two Western (890 megawatts each) and a French EPR (1,600 megawatts). This one should be normally operational in April 2021 after some minor technical delays.

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