TVO Nuclear Services’ expertise in navigation is now in high demand
In recent years, the nuclear power industry has been sailing with a tailwind. Global figures suggest that approximately 60 reactors are under construction, while up to 100 are being planned. Most of these are located in Asia, but we can also see clear growth in Europe. The involvement of entirely new countries, such as Poland, Norway and Estonia, is also remarkable for our continent.
In particular, interest towards nuclear power has been driven by the need for a sustainable and reliable energy source. The cold facts and even gloomier forecasts related to climate change have dictated a search for alternatives to fossil-based energy, which has kept the wheels of the economy turning for a long time – and this needs to happen quickly.
In addition to investments in new nuclear projects in Europe and the rest of the world, modernisation and service life extension projects are also under way at existing plants in order to satisfy energy demand and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. A good example of this can also be found at Olkiluoto, where a service life extension and a potential power uprating are currently under consideration for the OL1 and OL2 plant units which have been generating electricity for more than four decades already. Of course, the island of Olkiluoto also houses OL3 – the most modern nuclear power plant unit in Europe. Combined with our team of experts who have extensive knowledge of all plant units, they form the backbone of the TVO Group.
Continuous development
The “renaissance of nuclear power” described above has also been facilitated by technological advances. They have introduced small modular reactors (SMRs) as potential investments alongside the larger plant units, like the ones found at Olkiluoto. Not many people were aware of the concept just 10 years ago, but now it seems to be quite well known among regular people. This technology has advanced by leaps and bounds, and various companies are involved in its development – both industry veterans and pioneer businesses.
Of course, for a company like TVO Nuclear Services, which offers its customers the knowhow and experience it has accumulated over the decades, the current situation is nearly optimal. In fact, the slow period for nuclear power that preceded the current period has even increased our value. After all, it is clear that nuclear power expertise has significantly diminished around the world, and several new countries are now interested in nuclear power.
The sum of many components
Completing a new nuclear facility project is always an extremely challenging and extensive undertaking, regardless of whether it involves a traditional large plant unit or an SMR. It always requires planning, expertise, the utilisation of best practices and taking the right action at the right time. Nuclear power projects are always marathons, not sprints.
The partnerships that TVO Nuclear Services can offer for nuclear facility projects or improving the operations at an existing plant leverage our history. Our knowhow and competence stem from our role as the operator of three plant units as well as the expertise we accumulated from the completion of our “mega project” Olkiluoto 3, from the construction decision to the start of regular electricity production. All of this knowhow has already been put to use in numerous customer projects where we have acted as experts and advisors or held various positions within the project organisation.
Above all, our expertise and partnership in customer projects can help ensure that the project’s key goals are achieved. At TVONS, we are committed to supporting our customers as they navigate this complex field. Our expert services, advisory services and project services ensure that the owners and operators of nuclear power plants can achieve their goals reliably and efficiently.
The story is by Mr Ari Leppänen, Managing Director of TVO Nuclear Services.
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