Discussion on climate friendliness of nuclear electricity

​TVO took part in the CR event "Ratkaisun paikka" organised by Corporate Responsibility Network FIBS in Helsinki in May. TVO ran its own stand in the event offering visitors an opportunity to discuss nuclear power, and in particular, climate issues.

In addition to seminars and clinics, the event included Q&A panels for businesses and organisations where representatives from various companies discussed with representatives of different non-governmental organisations. Ms. Anna Lehtiranta, the Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations for TVO, participated in the "Environmental impact of energy industry" panel. The topic attracted wide interest and the hall was packed during the panel.

"Ratkaisun paikka" event was attended by almost 600 visitors and feedback on the event has been positive.

"From rock to rock" principle presented in "Energy solutions in companies"

At the beginning of June, TVO took part in the "Energy solutions in companies – towards greener business" event of FIBS. Ms. Anna Lehtiranta, the Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations for TVO gave a presentation of the production of clean nuclear electricity under the "Sustainability of energy forms" theme of the event.

As befitted the theme, Ms. Lehtiranta addressed the comparability of the carbon dioxide emissions of nuclear power to hydropower, wind power and solar power. - The electricity produced by TVO in Olkiluoto helps curb climate change, because nuclear electricity is an extremely environmentally friendly and carbon dioxide emission-free electricity production mode throughout its whole lifecycle, Ms. Lehtiranta emphasised.

Olkiluoto nuclear power reduces carbon dioxide emissions by ca. 12 million tons per year in comparison with coal condensing power. This corresponds in Finland to the annual carbon dioxide emissions from transport.

Ms. Lehtiranta further stressed that the most significant environmental impact of nuclear power is the increase in the temperature of seawater near the plant. She also pointed out that radioactive releases from the Olkiluoto plants are only a fraction of regulatory limits.

- The production of nuclear power causes hardly any emissions and nuclear power plants do not generate greenhouse gases, particulate emissions or emissions that promote acidification.

Another topic was the responsibility of nuclear electricity producers, which is reflected in the selection of subcontractors, prioritisation of nuclear safety, safety of final disposal and transparency of communication and interaction.

- TVO expects the personnel, the cooperation partners and the subcontractors to comply with the principles that TVO has defined for responsibility.