Finland: after twelve years of waiting, the EPR Olkiluoto-3 nuclear reactor commissioned
The Olkiluoto nuclear power plant in Eurajoki, Finland in 2016. AFP - MARTTI KAINULAINEN
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
As a symbol of the return to grace of nuclear power in Europe, the new reactor inaugurated this Saturday, March 12 will allow Finland to strengthen its electrical independence and lower the price of the kilowatt-hour.
Advertising
Read more
With our correspondent in Stockholm,
Frédéric Faux
Like its French twin at
Flamanville
, which is still not in service, the
Finnish EPR (
Evolutionary Power Reactor ) has known many ups and downs.
After twelve years of delay, this new generation reactor, using French technology, has finally been connected to the electricity grid and should eventually supply 14% of the country's electricity.
For Finland, it's a day that will count.
The only Nordic country to experience a large energy deficit, it will be able to lower the price of its electricity, limit its imports from Sweden and Norway, and above all reduce its dependence on Russia.
Another advantage: Finland will also reduce its CO2 emissions.
It is for this reason that environmentalists – a rarity in Europe – are not up against this EPR.
"
In our new declaration of principles, we don't mention nuclear at all, we just say that we want the development of any technology that is low-carbon and pro-environmental
," explains Veli Liikanen, general secretary of the Finnish Green Party. Green League.
► To read also: Finland starts its EPR nuclear reactor twelve years late
This commissioning also challenges Europe, which is wondering about its energy dependence and climate change.
This EPR, baptized Olkiluoto-3, when it will run at full speed next July, will then be the most powerful nuclear reactor in Europe.
The first to be inaugurated on the continent, for 15 years.
► To read also: Nuclear energy in eight questions
Newsletter
Receive all the international news directly in your mailbox
I subscribe
Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application
google-play-badge_FR
Nuclear
Finland
Energies