20 Sep (NucNet): The Finnish government today approved the extension of the operating licences for the Olkiluoto-1 and -2 nuclear power plants until 2038, owner-operator Teollisuuden Voima Oyj said in a statement.
The government decision follows a regulatory decision in May 2018 that concluded the plants are safe, their operation conforms with the law, and TVO has the expertise and resources to operate the units.
The Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, or Stuk, also said the nuclear waste management procedures put in place by TVO are “sufficient and appropriate”.
The two units supply about one sixth of electricity demand in Finland, TVO said.
After the completion of the Olkiluoto-3 EPR, scheduled for commercial operation in September 2019, electricity produced the three-unit Olkiluoto station will supply for around 30% of national demand.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Olkiluoto-1 is an 880-MW boiling water reactor unit that began commercial operation in October 1979. Olkiluoto-2 is an 890-MW BWR that began commercial operation in July 1982.
“Nuclear electricity is not dependent on the weather,” TVO said. “Together with renewable sources, nuclear power plays a crucial role in the fight against climate change.”
