Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant
The largest power plant in Finland
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 1979, Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant is a nuclear power plant located in Finland with an installed capacity of 2.8 GW. It is operated by TVO. By installed capacity, it ranks among the top 5 power plants in Finland.
Why It Matters
Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant is a major source of low-carbon baseload electricity for Finland, producing enough power for roughly 2.1 million US-equivalent households per year. Nuclear plants like this one operate at very high capacity factors (~90%), meaning they generate near their full nameplate capacity around the clock—a profile that complements variable renewables like wind and solar.
Environmental Impact
Compared to a coal-fired plant of the same output, Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant prevents approximately 21.3 million tonnes of CO2 per year. Nuclear plants do produce radioactive waste, but the volume is small (a single household's lifetime nuclear waste fits in a soda can) and storage technology has improved significantly over the past 40 years.
Fun Facts
- The largest power plant in Finland by installed capacity.
- Produces enough electricity to power roughly 2.1 million US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 47 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant produce?▾
Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant has an installed nameplate capacity of 2.8 GW. At typical capacity factors for nuclear plants (~92%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 2.1 million US-equivalent households per year.
Where is Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant located?▾
Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant is located in Finland at approximately 61.2367°, 21.4408°.
When was Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant built?▾
Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant was commissioned in 1979.
Who owns Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant?▾
Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant is owned and operated by TVO.
About Nuclear Power
Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate heat, which produces steam to drive turbines. They provide reliable baseload power with virtually no direct carbon emissions, though they produce radioactive waste.
Other Power Plants in Finland
| Name | Type | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡Alholmens Kraft | Biomass | 265 MW |
Related Reading
Data Information
Data Sources
Power plant data is based on the Global Power Plant Database by World Resources Institute, in collaboration with Google, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Enipedia, and the Global Energy Observatory.
Disclaimer
Information found on this page is for informational purposes only. Power plant specifications, ownership, and operational status may have changed since the data was last updated. Please verify critical information with official sources.