After years of delays, Finland's Olkiluoto 3 (OL3) nuclear reactor, Europe's biggest, resumed normal production early on Sunday, April 16, according to its operator. This now strengthens energy security in a region where Russia has curtailed gas and electricity supplies.
Although OL3 has begun operations, the use of nuclear power in Europe is still divisive owing to safety concerns.
On Saturday, April 15, Germany will shut down its final three reactors, and new nuclear power plants are being planned in Sweden, France, Britain, and others.
New Nuclear Reactor Began Normal Output
Finland's new nuclear reactor, the most powerful in Europe by production capacity, has finished its nearly a year-long testing phase and begun regular production. This greatly increases the Nordic country's electrical self-sufficiency.
Sunday marked the beginning of normal production at the 1,600-megawatt Olkiluoto 3 reactor, which was linked to the Finnish national electricity system in March 2022. After 14 years of planning, operator Teollisuuden Voima (TVO) tweeted, "Olkiluoto 3 is now ready."
Operator TVO is managed by Finnish utility Fortum and a consortium of energy and industrial enterprises.
In a report by Reuters, TVO has claimed the unit is projected to cover roughly 14% of Finland's power consumption, hence lowering the need for imports from Sweden and Norway.
After moving from testing to normal production on Sunday, (TVO) stated in a statement that the new reactor is projected to produce for at least 60 years.
TVO's Chief Executive Jarmo Tanhua remarked in the announcement, "The production of Olkiluoto 3 stabilizes the price of electricity and plays an important role in the Finnish green transition."
Country's Latest Nuclear Reactor Launch Was Almost 40 Years Ago
In 2005, construction on Olkiluoto 3 started, and by 2009, it was supposed to be finished. However, the project was beset by several technical issues that ultimately resulted in legal action. Over 40 years have passed since Finland last started up a brand-new nuclear reactor.
After more than 15 years, western Europe now has a brand new reactor: the Olkiluoto 3. It is the first plant of its kind in Europe and the first of the new generation of European Pressurized Reactors. Areva and Siemens, two European companies, collaborated in its creation.
According to AP News, the use of nuclear power in Europe is still met with skepticism, mostly owing to fears for public health and safety. Germany is closing its final three nuclear power facilities this coming Saturday, coinciding with the commissioning of the Finnish reactor.
The anticipated total cost of OL3 has risen to over 11 billion euros ($12 billion), as per industry experts. Finland today has five nuclear reactors at two Baltic Sea power stations. Together, they provide more than 40% of the US's electrical needs.
Finland's probable future prime minister, Petteri Orpo, head of the National Coalition Party, campaigned on making nuclear power "the cornerstone of the government's energy policy."
