The largest nuclear reactor in Europe, Finland's much-delayed Olkiluoto 3 (OL3), started producing regularly early on Sunday, according to its operator. This created greater security in a region where Russia has cut off gas and power supplies.
The news of OL3's start-up comes as Sweden, France, Britain, and other countries plan new developments, while nuclear power remains divisive in Europe, primarily due to safety concerns. Germany on Saturday shut down its final three reactors.
OL3’s operator Teollisuuden Voima (TVO), which is owned by Finnish utility Fortum and a consortium of energy and industrial companies, has said the unit is expected to meet around 14 percent of Finland’s electricity demand, reducing the need for imports from Sweden and Norway.
The new reactor is expected to produce for at least 60 years, TVO said in a statement on Sunday after completing the transition from testing to regular output.
The news of OL3's start-up comes as Sweden, France, Britain, and other countries plan new developments, while nuclear power remains divisive in Europe, primarily due to safety concerns. Germany on Saturday shut down its final three reactors.
OL3’s operator Teollisuuden Voima (TVO), which is owned by Finnish utility Fortum and a consortium of energy and industrial companies, has said the unit is expected to meet around 14 percent of Finland’s electricity demand, reducing the need for imports from Sweden and Norway.
The new reactor is expected to produce for at least 60 years, TVO said in a statement on Sunday after completing the transition from testing to regular output.
