Finland brings Europe’s largest nuclear reactor into commercial operation

Europe’s largest nuclear reactor, Olkiluoto 3 (OL3), began regular electricity generation today after a major delay. Finland began construction of the reactor in 2005, and it was originally due to be completed in 2009. The reactor is expected to improve the security of electricity supplies in the region following cuts to Russian gas and electricity supplies, the reactor’s operator, Teollisuuden Voima (TVO), said today. It is expected to generate electricity for at least 60 years.

Nuclear energy remains a controversial issue in Europe, mainly due to safety concerns. OL3’s launch comes a day after Germany shut down its last three remaining nuclear reactors. Sweden, France and the UK, by contrast, are planning to build new reactors.

TVO is owned by Finnish energy company Fortum and a consortium of energy and industrial companies. The new reactor is expected to meet around 14 percent of Finland’s electricity demand, reducing the need for imports from Sweden and Norway. TVO CEO Jarmo Tanhua added that OL3’s output would stabilise electricity prices and play an important role in the transition to green electricity.