TVO has submitted OL3 EPR unit nuclear fuel loading permission application

When the results of the remaining commissioning tests have been received and analyzed and the competencies have been ascertained, and construction inspections have been approved as well as the results of other remaining work submitted the Authority can give permission for nuclear fuel loading. This means that preparations for start-up of the unit can begin: the fuel will be loaded to the reactor, the pressure vessel head can be closed and nuclear commissioning can begin. Fuel loading will convert the power plant into nuclear power plant, even if electricity is not produced yet.

Works at Olkiluoto 3 site have not completely proceeded as planned. There has been a significant amount of measures taken to prevent the spreading of the coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19) in order to minimize the effects of pandemic risk to the project. The coronavirus pandemic may have significantly added uncertainty to the progress of the project. According to the information given to TVO by the supplier, the fuel will not be loaded into the reactor as planned in June 2020, and it is possible that the regular electricity production will be delayed respectively. Areva-Siemens consortium will update the schedule for OL3 EPR unit as soon as spreading and effects of the coronavirus pandemic are known. Areva is currently working on a plan, with support of all parties, to secure funding until the end of the project.

According to the schedule provided by the Plant Supplier Areva-Siemens Consortium in December 2019, the nuclear fuel loading was to take place in June 2020, electricity production would have started in November 2020 and regular electricity production in March 2021.

For further information, please contact:
Jouni Silvennoinen, Senior Vice President, OL3 Project

For interviews, please contact
Pasi Tuohimaa, Communications Manager, tel: +358 40 5445001