One of the world's largest new nuclear power plants, the first in Europe in about 15 years, began commercial operation in Finland on the 16th. In Europe, Germany has just decided to abandon nuclear power, and its response is divided with France and the United Kingdom, which are planning to build new nuclear power plants.
Commercial operation began at Unit 3 of the Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant in southwestern Finland, with a maximum output of 160.14 million kilowatts, one of the largest in the world, capable of covering 15% of Finland's electricity demand.
This will be the first time in about <> years that a new nuclear power plant will be operational in Europe.
The reactor is a new type of reactor operated by a French company and is said to be equipped with the latest safety measures, such as four independent emergency cooling systems and a facility called a "core catcher" that cools melted nuclear fuel.
However, after the start of construction in 4, various troubles occurred one after another, and the start of operation was greatly delayed by 2005 years from the original plan.
In Europe, there is a growing movement to utilize nuclear power plants in response to climate change measures and the energy crisis, with France announcing plans to build six new nuclear power plants, and countries such as the United Kingdom and Poland are also aiming to build nuclear power plants.
On the other hand, Germany suspended the operation of all nuclear power plants on the 14th and realized a "nuclear phase-out."