Nuclear power

Nuclear power plays an important role in clean energy production. As a reliable, CO2-free energy source, it helps satisfy today’s electricity needs and improve the security of supply while mitigating climate change. Over its lifecycle, nuclear power has a carbon footprint as low as wind, hydro and solar power.

Career in Nuclear Power

Are you looking for a workplace where you can develop yourself in a community of top-class professionals? Are you driven by the potential nuclear energy has in the decarbonization of our energy system? Now you have a chance to join our team at Fortum!
Screen at Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant
Low emissions
CO2-free for climate

Nuclear power generates electricity without releasing harmful emissions into the air and helps to achieve carbon neutrality targets.

Reliable
Stable and reliable

Our nuclear power plants provide a steady and reliable supply of electricity to the society. It improves energy self-sufficiency and security of supply.

Safety
Proven safety

Multiple isolation, redundancy and extensive training ensure that nuclear power is safe.

Our nuclear production in numbers

3.2

nuclear generation capacity (GW)

22.8

nuclear power produced (TWh)

53%

share of Fortum's total power generation

Clean energy

Climate change and the transition to a low-carbon energy system means that reliable, emission-free power generation is more important than ever. As a CO2-free energy production method, nuclear power is a key part of our strategy for a clean-energy future and supports achieving Finland’s and Europe’s carbon neutrality targets.

Always on

A steady source of electricity is critical during periods of increased energy consumption. And unlike other CO2-free production methods, we can count on nuclear power because electricity is generated at a consistent rate regardless of weather conditions. Nuclear helps to improve energy self-sufficiency and security of supply.

40 years of safety

Extensive employee training with our plant operation simulator continues to strengthen our safety-oriented work culture and large annual investments in plant modifications ensure that all aspects of daily operation are considered as we continuously improve safety.
 

We explore the future of nuclear power

In October 2022, we launched a two-year feasi­bility study to explore prereq­ui­sites for new nuclear in Finland and Sweden. With our world-class nuclear expertise, we are in an excellent position to explore condi­tions for new nuclear together with our partners and customers to enable decar­bon­i­sation of societies. We explore commercial, techno­logical, and societal condi­tions for new nuclear. We also inves­tigate new partner­ships and business models.

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10 things to know about nuclear power in the 2020s

How nuclear power supports energy security of supply and our journey towards a carbon-neutral society.

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Nuclear power and the environment

The main environmental impact of nuclear power is related to building the plant, fuel procurement and the thermal load of cooling water discharged into the sea during operation.

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Small modular reactors - nuclear power's new flexible generation

Nuclear power is a future energy form that is constantly developing, and small modular reactors are an example of the latest innovations in the sector.

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FAQ - Nuclear power

What is nuclear power?
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Nuclear power production is based on the utilisation of the thermal energy generated by a controlled chain reaction. A nuclear power plant works much like a conventional power plant, but instead of burning  e.g. coal, natural gas or peat, a nuclear power plant uses uranium as a source of energy.

How does nuclear power work?
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A nuclear power plant uses heat from a nuclear reaction to create high pressure steam which is put through a turbine to generate electricity. Light water reactors, such as the pressure water reactors at Loviisa nuclear power plant, use enriched uranium as fuel.

What is nuclear energy used for?
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It is mainly used to produce electricity, but heat generated by the nuclear reaction can also be used to provide heating for homes in a residential area (district heating).

Is nuclear power safe?
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Nuclear safety is based on multiple isolation and parallel safety measures. Systematic maintenance and modernisation as well as training of personnel guarantee operation in line with current standards and strengthen safety-culture.

Light water reactors, such as the pressure water reactors at our Loviisa NPP, are simple in their basic characteristics and inherently stable. Their natural safety characteristics, which are based on physical feedback loops that moderate the increase of power output, together with the basic design of the reactors make the uncontrollable increase of reactor power output impossible. Light water reactors are very suitable for energy production, and they have proven safe and reliable, which explains their popularity. For these reasons, the further development and construction of new nuclear power plants has mainly focused on light water reactor technology.

For nuclear power plants

We offer services for the whole life-cycle of nuclear power plants

Read more about Nuclear services