Overview
Olkiluoto 1 is a nuclear power plant in Finland, operated by Teollisuuden Voima Oyj. With a capacity of 1760 MW, it is a key baseload generator in the Nordic grid.
Olkiluoto 1 is a nuclear power plant located on Olkiluoto Island in Eurajoki, Finland. Owned and operated by Teollisuuden Voima Oyj, it is one of two operating nuclear reactors at the site, contributing significantly to Finland's low-carbon electricity generation. The plant's 1760 MW capacity places it among the larger nuclear units in Europe, supporting grid stability and energy security. The plant operates under Finland's stringent nuclear safety regulations, overseen by the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK). As a nuclear facility, it adheres to the Euratom Treaty and Finnish nuclear energy legislation, which mandate high safety standards, waste management protocols, and decommissioning plans. The reactor is a boiling water reactor (BWR) design, originally commissioned in 1978, and has undergone modernization to extend its operational life. Olkiluoto 1 plays a vital role in Finland's energy transition, providing reliable baseload power with zero CO2 emissions during operation. Its location on the Gulf of Bothnia allows for efficient cooling using seawater. The plant's long operational history and continuous upgrades demonstrate Finland's commitment to safe and sustainable nuclear energy as part of a diversified power generation mix.
Environmental context
As a nuclear power plant, Olkiluoto 1 produces electricity without direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions during operation, contributing to Finland's climate goals. The plant's cooling system uses seawater from the Gulf of Bothnia, with thermal discharge managed to minimize local ecological impact. Radioactive waste management follows strict protocols, with spent fuel stored on-site in interim storage facilities pending final disposal in the planned Onkalo repository. The facility's location in a sparsely populated coastal area reduces population exposure risks.
Frequently asked questions
Olkiluoto 1 is located on Olkiluoto Island in the municipality of Eurajoki, on the west coast of Finland, along the Gulf of Bothnia.
Olkiluoto 1 has a net capacity of 1760 megawatts (MW), making it one of the largest nuclear reactors in Europe.
Olkiluoto 1 is owned and operated by Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO), a Finnish power company.
Olkiluoto 1 operates under Finnish nuclear energy legislation and is regulated by the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK). It also complies with Euratom Treaty requirements.
Olkiluoto 1 is a boiling water reactor (BWR), which uses light water as both coolant and moderator.