Finnish municipality hopes for new nuclear plant as US firm Westinghouse linked to project

A US nuclear energy company may build a new power plant in Pyhäjoki, northern Finland, according to a report by Iltalehti, though key parties involved have either declined to comment or denied participation. The municipality remains hopeful, viewing the project as a potential economic opportunity.

The newspaper reported that US-based Westinghouse Electric Company is in discussions to construct a nuclear plant on land previously earmarked for a Russian-designed facility, which was abandoned after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Property investment firm Trevian was said to be in talks to acquire the site from Fennovoima, the original project developer.

However, energy company Fortum—mentioned in Iltalehti’s report as a potential partner—denied any involvement. In a statement to Finnish broadcaster Yle, Fortum clarified it had signed only preliminary agreements with three reactor suppliers, including Westinghouse, for broader technology assessments in Finland and Sweden. “This does not mean we have selected a supplier,” the company said, adding that current electricity prices make new nuclear unprofitable.

Trevian declined to confirm or deny the report. Pyhäjoki’s municipal director, Matti Soronen, avoided specifics but told Yle that preparations for a new plant are “actively underway.” He stressed the site’s global rarity as a pre-permitted nuclear location and said the government, led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, strongly supports the project. Orpo later stated that no negotiations are possible while arbitration over the canceled Russian-led project remains unresolved.

Environmental groups dismissed the plan’s feasibility. Hanna Halmeenpää, chair of the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, called the economic conditions “nonexistent” and noted Fortum’s own assessment that higher power prices or state subsidies would be required. She suggested the reported Westinghouse link may still be speculative, as no official details have emerged.

Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment also distanced itself from the claims, with Climate Minister Sari Multala telling Kauppalehti that Iltalehti’s report contained “much unverified information,” including alleged ministry involvement. Her office plans to request a correction.