Hyvärinen explained that turning on such a large unit and turning it off quickly causes quite a noticeable disturbance in the main grid. While it is possible to prepare for and withstand such disruptions, the impact of starting or shutting down a smaller unit would be much smaller and easier to manage.
Worldwide, there is still demand for reactors like the 1,600 megawatt Olkiluoto 3. It remains to be seen whether there will be more large units in Finland, according to Hyvärinen.
Fortum and the owner of the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant, Teollisuuden Voima (TVO), are currently investigating future nuclear power projects. The city of Helsinki’s energy company Helen has also expressed its interest in nuclear power.
In the early 2010s, TVO also made plans for a fourth reactor unit, but the project was postponed due to a delay in commissioning the third unit. managing director Jarmo Tanhua stated to the public broadcaster that the files concerning the investigations of a possible fourth unit would remain “on the shelf”.
“Of course, we are also investigating the possibility of small modular reactors. We are open to everything,” he said, adding that the schedule for future projects is still open.
“All plants take time,” he reminded. “It is important to ensure that the legislation is in order and the technology must naturally exist.”
Aleksi Teivainen – HT
Source: The Nordic Page