by Ari Lampinen, Technology for Life, Finland

Finnish INES member organization Technology for Life (TFL) has been active in Finnish nuclear policy issues since its foundation in 1983. TFL took part in the discussions for new nuclear reactors in Finland that took place in mid-1980's, early 1990's and early 2000's. The latter discussion resulted in building a new reactor in addition to the existing 4 reactors built in the 1970s. The Olkiluoto-3 reactor is now under construction as the third reactor of the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant. The project has been proven a financial disaster (Kanter 2009) but, however, three companies have applied for permissions to build 3-4 new nuclear reactors. Government and parliament decisions on these new applications will take place next year.

These Finnish developments have often been quoted as a success story and the beginning of a global renewal of nuclear power. Therefore, it has been seen important to get deeper understanding of the Finnish nuclear power policy available in English. A book titled "The Renewal of Nuclear Power in Finland", written by six Finnish energy researchers, was released by Palgrave-Macmillan in the UK (Kojo & Litmanen 2009). The release event and press conference of the book, where all six authors are

present, will be held at University of Helsinki, Department of Political Science, Unioninkatu 37, 1st floor, on September 15 at 11.00.

Technology for Life is one contributor to the book via my article on the justification arguments given as a substantiation for building the Olkiluoto-3 reactor (Lampinen 2009). Analysis of these arguments may be valuable for future decisions on new nuclear reactors both in Finland and elsewhere.

References:

Kanter J (2009) In Finland, Nuclear Renaissance Runs Into Trouble. New York Times, May 29.

Kojo M & Litmanen T (eds.) (2009) The Renewal of Nuclear Power in Finland. Macmillan, Hampshire, UK, 280 p. <http://www.palgrave.com/products/title.aspx?PID=334715>