Fennovoima's Decision-in-Principle application

In May 2010 Fennovoima was granted a Decision-in-Principle regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant from the Finnish Government. In July 2010 Finnish Parliament ratified the decision.

The grounds for the Fennovoima project are enhancement of Finland’s electricity self-sufficiency, fulfillment of the electricity needs of businesses and households, securing the competitiveness of shareholder companies significant for the entire national economy, improving the functionality of the electricity market and the balanced regional development of Finland.

Fennovoima is has two site alternatives for the nuclear power plant: Hanhikivi in the municipality of Pyhäjoki and Karsikko in the municipality of Simo. The alternative sites fulfill the requirements for constructing a nuclear power plant and are suitable for the project. Once the decision-in-principle has been ratified by Finnish parliament, Fennovoima will select the final power plant site. site alternatives are located in government-defined development areas.

Fennovoima will prepare the construction of a nuclear power plant with a rated electricity output of max 1,800 at the selected site. The alternatives are to construct either one large nuclear reactor or two smaller reactors. Fennovoima’s plant alternatives are the EPR and Kerena by Areva NP, and the ABWR by Toshiba. All alternatives can be designed to produce district heating in addition to electricity.

Fennovoima fulfills the requirements set for an applicant for a decision-in-principle. The new nuclear power plant can be built safely and in compliance with Finnish regulations. Fennovoima, with the backing of the nuclear expert E.ON and its other industrial shareholders, has the necessary expertise and resources to build the power plant as planned. Fennovoima has the goal to start electricity production by 2020.