Finnish energy company Fennovoima is preparing the construction of a nuclear power plant rated 1,500 to 2,500 MW electric. This range can be covered by one large reactor (larger than 1500 MWe) or two medium-sized reactors (smaller than 1500 MWe).
In preparation for the Decision-in-Principle application to be submitted to the Finnish Government, Fennovoima has reviewed a number of light water reactor designs currently on the market for a detailed feasibility study. The selected designs are the EPR and the SWR-1000 by Areva NP and the ABWR by Toshiba Corporation. The Areva EPR is an advanced pressurized water reactor rated about 1,700 MW electric. Similar reactors are being built at the moment in Finland and in France, and being planned in a number of countries around the world. It represents well proven technology.
The Areva SWR-1000 is an advanced boiling water reactor (BWR) design rated about 1,250 MW electric, based on a well proven German BWR design. The Toshiba ABWR is an advanced boiling water reactor rated about 1,600 MW electric. Three reactors of this type have already been built, one is under construction in Japan, and several are being planned at the moment in, e.g., the United States. It represents well proven technology.
"We are proud to present these first-class alternatives for consideration for Finland. It is our goal to have available reactor designs that reliably serve the full range of our shareholders' electric power needs, while comfortably meeting the most stringent safety requirements in the world", says Mr. Tapio Saarenpää, Fennovoima Chief Executive Officer.
In the feasibility study, Fennovoima works together with its shareholder and technology partner E.ON, the plant designers and the Finnish safety authorities to ensure the licensability of each design in Finland. The study also paves way for a smooth and timely plant construction.
Ultimate plant design choice will be made after the Decision-in-Principle by Finnish Government and Parliament. Construction of the power plant is planned to start around 2012 and the production of electricity by 2018 to 2020.
For more information, please contact Dr. Juhani Hyvärinen, EVP Nuclear Engineering, +358 207 579208 Mr. Pasi Natri, EVP Communications, +358 207 579204
