Finnish nuclear shutdown: No radiation risk despite faults
Two of the five reactors at the Finnish nuclear power plants, Loviisa and Olkiluoto, have been shut down due to malfunctions. Operators ensure that there is no radiation threat.
The Finnish nuclear power plants Loviisa and Olkiluoto experienced malfunctions that shut down two of the five reactors. Operators of both facilities have stated that the situation does not pose a radiation threat.
Problems in Loviisa and Olkiluoto
Finland's oldest nuclear power plant, Loviisa, is located on the southern coast. A fault in the cooling system caused the second unit to malfunction. The plant operator, Fortum, emphasized that the first unit is operating without interruptions. However, no timeline was provided for the reactor's return to service.
At the Olkiluoto plant, located on the island of the same name, the third unit's turbine's oil system was damaged. The company TVO reported that repairs will take longer than anticipated, and the reactor will be reconnected within two days.
The importance of the power plants for Finland
The Loviisa nuclear power plant, built in the 1970s and 1980s using technology from the former USSR, provides about 10% of Finland's electricity. On the other hand, Olkiluoto, which accounts for approximately 30% of the national energy mix, has the OL3 reactor, the largest in Europe, generating nearly 15% of the country's electricity.
The OL3 reactor, constructed by a French-German consortium, was launched last spring after many years of delays related to technical and administrative issues. Its capacity is 1,600 MW, making it a crucial element of Finland's energy system.
Operators of both power plants ensure that despite the malfunctions, there is no threat to radiation safety.
