Finnish plan gives sector major boost

Date: 10/10/02

THE EU nuclear energy industry is in an upbeat mood following Finland's decision to push ahead with the construction of a new reactor - the country's fifth.

Mauno Paavola, president of Finnish company Teollisuuden Voima Oy, which is expected to start construction on the new reactor within the next three years, told delegates that renewable sources of energy were insufficient to cover the predicted increases in the country's electricity needs.

He said: 'We use quite a lot of renewable energy sources: in 2001 hydropower generated 16 and bio-fuelled plants 11 of Finland's electricity demand. Efforts are also being made to increase the proportion of wind power and other renewable energy sources.

'Studies by the Finnish trade ministry, however, show that using more nuclear power is the most efficient and economical way to meet the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets set by the Kyoto Protocol.'

The Finnish reactor, which is the first new approval for a nuclear plant in ten years, is expected to be completed by the end of the decade.

Paavola added: 'These are exciting times for the industry which many believe is on the threshold of a new era.'

• FURTHER help still has to be given to operators of nuclear power plants in candidate countries ahead of an enlarged EU, the conference was warned.

Nuclear trade association Foratom said that assistance from the European Commission and others had ensured some progress has been made in upgrading plants in accession states.

But extra help for regulators is still needed. 'Efforts should concentrate on improving the depth and scope of technical capabilities and the ability to employ qualified staff,' said Foratom. 'More attention by national governments and the EU is needed to ensure that the regulatory authorities have the financial resources and enforcement authority to fully carry out their responsibilities,' the group added.

The EU nuclear energy industry is in an upbeat mood following Finland's decision to push ahead with the construction of a new reactor - the country's fifth. Report of issues discussed at the European Nuclear Congress, Lille, 6-11 October 2002.

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