Nuclear power helps slow down climate change

The closing down of aging coal power plants is good for the climate. Nuclear power produces no carbon dioxide emissions so it is needed to achieve climate objectives. It is no surprise that dozens of new nuclear power plants are being planned around the world and in Europe.

The environmental effects of nuclear power

No current energy production method is problem-free in terms of the environment. The risks inherent in the use of nuclear power require more comprehensive and intensive monitoring than any other source of energy.

The most significant environmental impact of nuclear power is run-off of condensation water into the sea. The condensation water warms the area around the power plant as its temperature is about 12 degrees Celsius higher when it is returned to the sea than when it was extracted from it. The power plant has no adverse effects on the safety of swimming, fishing and the picking of mushrooms and berries in its vicinity.

Spent nuclear fuel

The nuclear power plant's spent nuclear fuel is hazardous to human beings. In Finland, spent nuclear fuel is stored in the area around the power plant, and disposed of after a few decades in the bedrock. The disposal of spent nuclear fuel is forecast to start at Eurajoki river in 2020.