Nuclear Energy Production Breaks Records In Finland
Written by NucNet
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Nuclear energy production in Finland in 2009 was the highest ever, despite the fact that electricity production fell seven percent because of the global economic crisis.
The Finnish Energy Industries trade association said today that nuclear energy production was 22.6 terawatt hours in 2009 and accounted for almost 28 percent of electricity consumed.
Combined heat and power generation covered almost 30 percent of electricity consumption, hydropower 15 percent, and coal and other condensing power more than 11 percent. The share of wind power was 0.3 percent.
Finnish Energy Industries said that towards the end of 2009 power consumption again turned to growth, an indication that the worst of the recession is over.
“Nevertheless, the slump left a definite mark on 2009, and electricity consumption fell by seven percent,” a statement said.
It was also a record year for electricity imports, which accounted for 15.3 percent of energy consumption. The most expensive days for power saw prices of 1,000 euro (about 1,400 US dollars) per MWh. Finnish Energy Industries managing director Juha Naukkarinen said this shows the need for new generating capacity.
Finland has four nuclear units in commercial operation and one, Olkiluoto-3, under construction. OL-3, a 1,600-megawatt European pressurised water reactor unit, is scheduled for completion in June 2012.
Three environmental impact assessment procedures are under way that could lead to construction of a sixth unit.
