Europe’s most powerful nuclear reactor goes into service in Finland

Olkiluoto 3, Europe’s most powerful nuclear reactor by production capacity went into service on Sunday, April 16.

The reactor’s inauguration came 14 years after it was originally planned and, more specifically, it was connected to the Finnish power grid in March 2022 and started production after a year’s testing phase.

Furthermore, with a 1,600-megawatt production capacity, Olkiluoto 3 is expected to significantly contribute to Finland’s net zero goals and reduce its power dependency.

Finland now has five nuclear reactors which account for about 40-50% of the country’s total energy production, while Olkiluoto 3 alone is producing 14%.

The reactor came at an estimated cost of €11 billion, almost three times the original budget, and its construction started back in 2005.