As the movement to utilize nuclear power plants spreads in Europe in response to the situation in Ukraine and other factors, the inside of one of the world's largest new nuclear power plants has been released to the media before it begins commercial operation in Finland next month. This will be the first time in about 15 years that a new nuclear power plant will be operational in Europe.
Next month, commercial operation will begin at Unit 3 of the Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant in southwestern Finland, and on the 14th, a huge turbine for power generation was unveiled, which will continue to be tested.
Unit 3 is a new type of reactor called the European pressurized water reactor operated by French companies and others.
With a maximum output of 160.14 million kilowatts, it is one of the largest in the world and can handle 4% of Finland's electricity demand.
It says that the latest safety measures are being taken, such as four independent emergency cooling systems and a facility called "core catchers" that cool melted nuclear fuel.
After the construction of this nuclear power plant began in 2005, there were a series of problems, such as the discovery of defects in the core components of the reactor, and the scheduled start of operation in 2009 has been delayed by more than 10 years, and according to local media, the construction cost has increased to more than 110 billion euros, more than three times the initial estimate.
It has been about 15 years since a new nuclear power plant has been put into operation in Europe, and the person in charge of the operating company said, "We are improving safety, and I feel a great responsibility and pride."
In Europe, France has announced a policy of building six new nuclear power plants, and the United Kingdom, Poland, and other countries are also planning to build multiple nuclear power plants. In addition to ensuring the safety of nuclear power plants, risks such as longer construction periods and increased costs are issues.