Olkiluoto 3 EPR
Eurajoki, Olkiluoto, Finland [INTERNATIONAL] · Construction started 2005; initial operation planned 2009; first grid connection March 2022; regular electricity production April 2023; final takeover June 2025 · Estimated €11 billion (2019 estimate, equivalent to approx. £9.4 billion) from initial €3 billion
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchOlkiluoto 3 became a prominent example of the difficulties in constructing new nuclear power plants in Europe, highlighting the need for robust project management and clear regulatory frameworks. - The project faced multiple disputes between TVO and the Areva-Siemens consortium over costs and delays, eventually leading to a settlement. - Lessons learned from OL3 have influenced subsequent nuclear projects, emphasizing the importance of detailed design completion before construction and stringent quality assurance. - Despite the challenges, its eventual operation provides significant carbon-free electricity to Finland, contributing to energy security and climate goals.
Key engineering challenges
Managing severe delays (over a decade) and massive cost overruns, largely due to design changes, quality control issues, and complex regulatory processes. - Resolving technical problems, including issues with the reactor's instrumentation and control system, and damage detected in feedwater pumps. - Coordinating a multinational consortium (Areva-Siemens) with differing engineering practices and regulatory interpretations. - Ensuring the quality and timely delivery of components from a complex international supply chain. - Addressing the unique challenges of constructing a first-of-a-kind EPR reactor, leading to unforeseen technical and project management hurdles.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO)
- Lead contractor
- Areva-Siemens consortium
- Lead designers
- Areva NP, Siemens
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- 1600 MWe (net electrical output); EPR (European Pressurized Reactor) design; third most powerful nuclear power generation unit in the world.
- Disciplines
- Nuclear engineering; civil; structural; mechanical; electrical; control systems; materials science; safety engineering
- Standards & frameworks
- Finnish nuclear safety regulations (STUK); European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) design standards; IAEA safety standards; relevant international nuclear engineering standards.
Sources: Wikipedia: Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olkiluoto_Nuclear_Power_Plant) - World Nuclear Association: Olkiluoto 3 (https://world-nuclear.org/nuclear-reactor-database/details/olkiluoto-3) - Power Technology: Olkiluoto 3 Nuclear Power Plant, Finland (https://www.power-technology.com/projects/olkiluoto/) - World Nuclear Report: Europe's First EPR: 13 Years Behind Schedule, Olkiluoto-3 in Finland Starts Up (https://www.worldnuclearreport.org/Europe-s-First-EPR-13-Years-Behind-Schedule-Olkiluoto-3-in-Finland-Starts-Up) - DW: Finland's much-delayed nuclear plant launches (https://www.dw.com/en/finlands-much-delayed-nuclear-plant-launches/a-61108015)