Finland (11) -- Analyses -- 2010

The nuclear energy

21.04.2010

In the wake of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, many EU countries announced plans to phase out nuclear power, and Finland has been one of the few to continue its development. Since then, oil prices have risen considerably and climate considerations have taken centre stage, pushing nuclear power back on the agendas of a growing number of member states to complement renewable energy policies.
The EU has set itself a legally-binding goal to reduce its emissions by 20% from 1990 levels by 2020. Moreover, it has pledged to raise this to 30% if other countries make comparable commitments.
The EU agreed a new Renewable Energy Directive in December 2008, which turns into law its binding target to source 20% of the bloc's energy from renewable sources by 2020. It sets individual targets for each member state.
Finnish Trade and Industry Minister Mauri Pekkarinen said two permits to build nuclear reactors would be granted to power companies Teollisuuden Voima and Fennovoima, but an application from half government-owned Fortum was rejected. Ministers emphasised that the plan should allow Finland to become entirely independent of electricity imports by 2020. "It's historic that these decisions allow Finland to rid itself of foreign electricity imports after many decades," Pekkarinen said, declaring that the new decision would take Finland in a "radically carbon-free direction".
Last year, Finnish electricity imports from Russia hit an all-time high, according to Statistics Finland. Of all the electricity consumed in Finland, 15% was imported. Four nuclear reactors generate around a quarter of the country's electricity. Finns have traditionally been among the most positive EU nations towards nuclear, but recent polls show that attitudes are hardening. The building of the fifth reactor in Olkiluoto has been heavily criticised, as the project - awarded to France's Areva - has been repeatedly delayed and the Finnish regulator has voiced concerns about the reactor's safety.

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