Pyhäjoki favors placing Fennovoima’s nuclear power plant in its area. The municipal council discussed the issue in its meeting June 9th, 2009. 16 councilors voted for Fennovoima and 5 voted against it.

In April the Ministry of Employment and the Economy requested a statement from Pyhäjoki concerning the Decision-in-Principle application of Fennovoima. The statement is crucial to the project, since a positive view of the municipality is required in order for the project to advance.

In its statement the municipal council of Pyhäjoki states that Fennovoima would have positive effects especially on the economy and population structure of the region. Depending on the chosen reactor design Pyhäjoki would receive real estate tax worth of 3,8–5,0 million Euros per year. The municipal tax revenues for the surrounding region would rise to minimum 2,0 million Euros per year.

After the plant is completed there would be 400–500 permanent jobs, which mean strengthening the population with 700–900 younger, more educated people than the average. The jobs in the plant would also create an attraction for a remigration of young people who have moved away.

The nuclear power plant area partly reaches Raahe. As a municipal of industry Raahe already has a readiness for developing the public and private services necessitated by the nuclear power plant project. The municipal council of Raahe gave a supportive statement to Fennovoima in May 18th and stated that the nuclear power plant supports developing the economy of the whole region.

The Ministry of Employment and the Economy has requested statements concerning Fennovoima's Decision-in-Principle application from some 80 authorities and other instances. The statements are to be submitted by June 15th, 2009 at the latest.

Fennovoima has three alternative locations for its plant. In addition to Pyhäjoki the other two are Ruotsinpyhtää and Simo. Ruotsinpyhtää voted in favor of Fennovoima May 18th, and Simo’s municipal council discusses the issue next Monday, June 15th.

Fennovoima chooses the location based on the Decision-in-Principle. The Government´s Decision-in-Principle and Parliament's passing are expected to take place in 2010.

For more information please contact Regional Manager Juha Miikkulainen, tel. +358 (0) 20 7579 205 or Communication Assistant Heli Haikola, tel. +358 (0) 20 7579 224.