Fortum [Power and Heat Oy] has submitted the Loviisa nuclear power plant operating licence application to the Finnish Government on 18.3.2022.
Fortum is seeking a new operating licence for both nuclear power plant units until the end of 2050. Fortum also applies for a licence to use the low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste final disposal facility located in Loviisa’s current power plant area until 2090.
“We want to support the achievement of Finland’s and Europe’s carbon neutrality targets and enable the building of a reliable, competitive and sustainable energy system,” says Simon-Erik Ollus, Executive Vice President, Generation Division.
“Loviisa power plant’s lifetime extension is significant for all of Finland because it contributes to securing the supply of clean domestic electricity also in the future,” Ollus adds.
“Our employees have done a really great job in security the reliability of electricity production throughout the history of the power plant. Thanks to their know-how and expertise, the Loviisa power plant is in good condition and we can safely continue its operations,” says Sasu Valkamo, Vice President of Fortum’s Loviisa nuclear power plant.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will review Fortum’s operating licence application and request statements from a range of various parties, including the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority. Finnish Government will make its decision based on expert statements. The process is estimated to take about one year.
Media contacts:
Fortum News Desk, newsdesk [at] fortum [dot] com (newsdesk[at]fortum[dot]com), +358 40 198 2843
Loviisa nuclear power plant
In 2021, the load factor at Fortum’s fully-owned Loviisa nuclear power plant was 92.9%. The continuous development and modernisation of the power plant enable load factors that are among the best for pressurised water reactors on an international scale. During the past five years Fortum’s investments in the Loviisa power plant have totalled about EUR 325 million. In 2021, the power plant produced a total of 8.2 terawatt hours (net) of electricity, which is more than 10% of Finland’s electricity production. Fortum employs about 700 nuclear sector professionals, 530 of them work at the Loviisa power plant. Additionally, nearly 100 permanent employees of other companies work in the power plant area every day. More information: www.fortum.com/loviisa