Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Fortum’s Loviisa nuclear power plant achieved a production record in 2021. The power plant generated a total of 8.2 terawatt-hours (net) of carbon-free power. Thanks to the Loviisa nuclear power plant’s electricity production, Finland emits about 6 million tonnes less carbon dioxide emissions annually compared to the equivalent amount of fossil fuel-based electricity.
On an international scale, the 92.9% load factor of the Loviisa nuclear power plant was among the best in the world for pressurised water reactors. Loviisa Unit 1’s load factor was 93.9% and Loviisa Unit 2’s was 92.2%. Both plant units underwent refuelling in 2021. The annual outage of Unit 1 lasted 18 days, and the annual outage of Unit 2 was 24 days. The annual outage of Unit 2 was delayed by approximately six days from the original plan due to the replacement of additional equipment.
”During the annual outages, several plant modifications were carried out to improve the safety and operation of the plants. Safety automation and process monitoring computer upgrades continued for both plants. The automation modernisation of the emergency generator that was started in 2020 was continued with Unit 1. In addition, a project was implemented to enable the life cycle of the process water preservation chemical at the power plant to be as safe and emission-free as possible. The upgrades ensure the plant's operating reliability, safety, and availability,” says Timo Eurasto, Manager, Operations Unit, Loviisa Power Plant.
”Also the long-term, methodical work to lower radiation levels for radiation workers has produced results. The radiation levels were at a record low with both units", he adds.
The Loviisa nuclear power plant is a major employer in the region, providing work for approximately 530 Fortum employees and nearly 100 permanent employees of other companies working in the plant area every day. Additionally, about 650 external employees participated in the annual outages and investment projects. In addition, the power plant also employed some 80 summer trainees. Fortum’s investments in the Loviisa power plant were approximately EUR 30 million (2020: approximately EUR 50 million).
Fortum Corporation
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Further information:
Timo Eurasto, Manager, Operations Unit, Loviisa Power Plant, tel. +358 10 455 4010
Loviisa nuclear power plant
In 2021, the load factor at Fortum’s fully-owned Loviisa nuclear power plant was 92.9%. The continuous development and modernisation of the power plant enable load factors that are among the best for pressurised water reactors on an international scale. During the past five years, Fortum’s investments in the Loviisa power plant have totalled about EUR 325 million. In 2021, the power plant produced a record-high total of 8.2 terawatt-hours (net) of electricity, which is more than 10% of Finland’s electricity production. Fortum employs about 700 nuclear sector professionals, 530 of them work at the Loviisa power plant. Additionally, nearly 100 permanent employees of other companies work in the power plant area every day. More information: www.fortum.com/loviisa