According to LUT University industrial professor Jukka Ruusunen, the maintenance of three large nuclear power plants at the same time could have a significant impact on electricity prices in Finland. More than a quarter of the country’s electricity production capacity would be affected if all three units of the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant were under maintenance simultaneously. The risk of this scenario increased recently when Teollisuuden Voima (TVO) announced the extension of maintenance for Olkiluoto 2.
If all three units of the Olkiluoto power plant were offline, it would lead to an increase in electricity prices on the market, according to Ruusunen. While there is no immediate concern about power sufficiency, prolonged maintenance schedules can impact electricity prices in the market. The maintenance schedules for nuclear power plants are planned years in advance and require the participation of thousands of people and specialists from around the world.
Energy companies like TVO adhere to these schedules and it would be difficult for authorities to intervene unless there was an exceptional situation. The maintenance schedules for nuclear power plants are important for ensuring smooth functioning in Finland’s electricity market. Efforts are being made to ensure that these crucial power plants proceed as planned, with authorities prepared to act in case of exceptional circumstances but focusing now on maintaining them as per schedule.