Finland — Nuclear Fleet Overview

Operating Reactors (database): 1 tracked in platform Total Tracked Capacity: 1600 MWe Under Construction (database): 0 Planned: 0 Regulatory Body: STUK (Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority)

Fleet Summary

Finland's nuclear energy program began in the 1970s, with the commissioning of its first reactors at Olkiluoto and Loviisa, establishing nuclear power as a key component of its energy mix. Currently, Finland operates five nuclear power reactors across two sites—Olkiluoto (3 units) and Loviisa (2 units)—with a total net capacity of approximately 4.4 GWe, contributing about 30% of the country's electricity. The recent commissioning of Olkiluoto 3 in 2023, an EPR with 1.6 GWe capacity, marks a significant expansion after years of delays, bolstering energy security. The fleet is modern and efficient, with potential for further growth as Finland explores small modular reactors (SMRs) to meet future decarbonization goals.

Policy & Outlook

Finland maintains a strong pro-nuclear stance, viewing it as a critical tool for achieving carbon neutrality by 2035, supported by a stable regulatory framework under the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK). The 2002 Nuclear Energy Act governs the sector, emphasizing safety and waste management, with a unique commitment to domestic final disposal at the Onkalo repository. Recent policy discussions highlight interest in SMRs for district heating and industrial applications, with companies like Fortum exploring feasibility, though no concrete projects are yet approved. The government continues to prioritize energy independence, with nuclear expansion likely to play a central role in phasing out fossil fuels.

Key Sites

• Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant: Located on the west coast, this site hosts three reactors, including the recently operational Olkiluoto 3 (EPR, 1.6 GWe), and is operated by Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO), contributing significantly to national power supply.
• Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant: Situated on the southern coast, Loviisa operates two VVER-440 reactors (total ~1 GWe) since the late 1970s, managed by Fortum, and remains a cornerstone of Finland’s energy stability.
• Onkalo Spent Fuel Repository: Under construction near Olkiluoto, this pioneering deep geological repository by Posiva Oy is set to be the world’s first permanent storage for high-level nuclear waste, with operations expected to start in the mid-2020s.

Historical Context

Finland's nuclear journey began with the commissioning of Loviisa 1 in 1977, followed by Loviisa 2 in 1981, and Olkiluoto 1 and 2 in 1978 and 1980, respectively, driven by the need for energy independence after the 1970s oil crises. A major milestone came with the decision in the 1990s to develop Onkalo, reflecting a proactive approach to waste management. The construction of Olkiluoto 3, approved in 2002, faced significant delays and cost overruns but finally began commercial operation in 2023, reinforcing Finland’s nuclear commitment. While the country has avoided major nuclear incidents, rigorous safety standards and upgrades have been prioritized following global events like Fukushima.

Operating Reactors (Platform Database)

Reactor	Site	Type	Capacity (MWe)	Operator	Commercial Operation
Olkiluoto 3	—	EPR	1600	—	—

Under Construction (Platform Database)

None in database.

Sources

• IAEA PRIS — Finland — IAEA Power Reactor Information System
• WNA Country Profile — World Nuclear Association
• STUK (Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority) — National nuclear regulator

---

Enriched by Grok · Second Atomic Age Nuclear Wiki · 2026-05-10