Fennovoima, the joint venture company proposing to construct a new nuclear power plant in Finland, announced on 23 October that it will conduct environmental impact assessments (EIAs) at potential sites in three municipalities. EIAs will be conducted in the Hanhikivi area of Pyhajoki municipality; the Gaddbergso-Kampuslandet area of Ruotsinpyhtaa municipality; and the Karsikko-Laitakari area of Simo municipality. Fennovoima said that it is possible that EIAs could also be conducted elsewhere, with other potential plant locations being selected by the end of 2007. Poyry Energy Oy will act as the company's EIA consultant. Fennovoima expects the EIA process to be completed by the beginning of 2009. Following this, Fennovoima will submit an application to the Finnish government for a Decision-in-Principle regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant. Only when the Decision-in-Principle has been approved will Fennovoima select the site. In August, the company announced that it had narrowed its site selection down to five municipalities from an initial group of 30. At that time, Fennovoima said it would continue discussions with the northern towns of Kemijarvi and Vaala, as well as the western coast towns of Pyhajoki, Simo and Kristiinankaupunki. Fennovoima aims to construct a new 1000-1800 MW nuclear power plant, with operation of the plant scheduled to start between 2016 and 2018. The founding partners of the joint venture are Outokumpu, Boliden, Rauman Energia, Katterno and EOn.

Further information

Fennovoima

WNA's Nuclear Energy in Finland information paper

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