7 Feb (NucNet): Continued operation of the two-unit Loviisa nuclear power station in Finland is safe and meets all requirements set by legislation, the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (Stuk) has said in a periodic safety assessment published on 6 February 2017.
In 2007, the Loviisa station’s operating licences were extended to 2027 for unit one and 2030 for unit two on condition that a periodic safety assessment of the plants be carried out every 10 years.
In addition to “a massive set” of documents submitted by Loviisa operator Fortum, Stuk said it had performed “various inspections” at the station.
“The Loviisa power plant has produced electricity with nuclear power for nearly 40 years,” said Stuk deputy director Thomas Buddas, who is responsible for nuclear safety at Loviisa.
“During this time, safety and availability have been continuously developed with new technical improvements and by continuously investing in knowhow and in the development of the safety culture.”
Mr Buddas said the most extensive modernisation programme in Loviisa’s history is under way and will ensure electricity production until the existing operating licences expire.
Safety improvements included in the programme are being implemented at both units from 2016-2018 and Stuk is monitoring and overseeing progress.
Stuk said that in 2016 Fortum invested €100m ($106m) in the Loviisa nuclear station.
Both Loviisa reactors are VVER V-213 units. The generation capacity of Loviisa-1 is 502 MW and of Loviisa-2 496 MW.
