The Ministry of the Environment has ratified Pyhäjoki’s Hanhikivi regional land use plan for nuclear power. The Ministry gave its ratification today August 26th and determined the land use plan to become effective immediately. The decision means that Fennovoima’s plans for constructing a nuclear power plant in Pyhäjoki’s Hanhikivi, located on Northern Ostrobothnia, are feasible. Extensive studies regarding environmental and other possible impacts were carried out for making the changes in the land use plan.

The other alternative location for Fennovoima's power plant is Simo in Lapland. The new regional land use plan for Simo was ratified by the Ministry of Environment last spring.

In addition to the now ratified regional land use plan, the nuclear power plant project requires changes in local master and detailed land use plans. The process of changing these has proceeded well both in Pyhäjoki and in Simo. The new master and detailed land use plans will presumably be approved in both municipalities this autumn.

Fennovoima will choose the location for its power plant during the first half of 2011. The decision will be made on the basis of extensive studies, and special attention will be paid on safety, environment, technical feasibility, constructing costs as well as the willingness and capability of the municipality and its region to support a vast project such as a nuclear power plant.

Further information:

Karri Huusko, Development Manager, Construction, tel. +358 (0)20 757 9216

www.fennovoima.com