Electricity production halted at Olkiluoto Unit 3 in Finland due to turbine malfunction

Electricity production at the Olkiluoto Unit 3 has been halted for the day while repairs are underway. The shutdown, which occurred on Sunday evening, was due to a turbine malfunction stemming from a problem with the generator’s sealing oil system. According to the operator, there are no safety concerns related to nuclear operations.

The communication manager noted that while the issue requires several hours for repairs, production is expected to resume shortly. She reassured that this is not a serious fault. Meanwhile, the Unit 1 and Unit 2 are operating normally.

In recent months, the operation of Unit 3 has been notably stable. After the annual maintenance in spring, which had only one significant issue, the unit has performed well with minimal disruptions. The spring maintenance itself extended beyond the anticipated schedule, primarily due to a longer-than-planned shutdown and some technical challenges encountered during the process.

Currently, Olkiluoto Unit 3 is responsible for approximately 14 percent of Finland’s total electricity generation. As repairs continue, the facility aims to return to regular operations swiftly, ensuring a consistent energy supply for the country.