It took a long time, but here it is in working order.

Finland's EPR nuclear reactor at Olkiluoto-3 was commissioned for the first time on Saturday, the plant operator announced.

The production of electricity from the Finnish EPR, built by the Areva-Siemens consortium, begins twelve years after the commissioning date initially planned.

When electricity production reaches its normal level, which is expected in July, the reactor will supply about 14 percent of Finland's electricity with 1,650 megawatts, he said.

The Olkiluoto-3 reactor will become one of the most powerful in Europe.

Two other reactors are in operation on the west coast of Finland at Eurajoki.

Delays and salty note

The EPR, of French origin, was the first nuclear reactor purchased in Europe after the Chernobyl disaster, which led to a revision of the entire approach to nuclear safety.

It is reputed to offer greater power and better security.

But the EPRs built in Finland, France and the United Kingdom have suffered from delays and financial slippages.

In the case of Olkiluoto, the delays gave rise to disputes over compensation between TVO and Areva.

In March 2018, Areva agreed to pay 450 million euros to TVO to settle their dispute.

The cost of this EPR has increased from 3.37 billion euros initially planned to around 11 billion euros, according to the 2019 report on world nuclear energy.

Waiting for Flamanville

In the UK, Hinkley Point, located in the south of England, has postponed the start of electricity production by six months, now scheduled for mid-2026.

In France, at Flamanville, the cumulative delays of the EPR reach 11 years.

The site continues to accumulate technical problems and the cost has risen to 12.7 billion euros according to EDF's estimate on January 12, 2022. In 2006, this very powerful 1,650 MW reactor was announced to 3.3 billion euros.

Planet

Nuclear: The "median" cost of six EPR2 is estimated at 51.7 billion euros, the first would enter service in 2037

Planet

Nuclear: Three things to know about the six EPR2s announced for 2050 by Emmanuel Macron

  • ERP

  • energy

  • Finland

  • World

  • Nuclear

  • 0 comment

  • 0 share

    • Share on Messenger

    • Share on Facebook

    • Share on Twitter

    • Share on Flipboard

    • Share on Pinterest

    • Share on Linkedin

    • Send by Mail

  • To safeguard

  • A fault ?

  • To print