Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant’s Unit 2 rotor replacement delays electricity production in Finland

The large rotor of the Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant’s Unit 2 will need to be replaced before the plant can resume electricity production, according to Teollisuuden Voima (TVO). TVO’s communications manager, Johanna Aho, informed that the old rotor has been deemed irreparable. The replacement process is complex and involves dismantling the generator.

“The rotor is a sizable component, and moving it is a significant task. The installation and inspection work will take time,” Aho stated.

Previously, TVO had estimated that Unit 2 could return to electricity generation by September 29. However, the new projected completion date for repairs is now October 6. Fortunately, a backup rotor is already available at Olkiluoto, eliminating any wait time for its procurement. The replacement will employ both TVO’s staff and external labor.

Electricity production at Unit 2 ceased early last week, but the issue has not affected nuclear safety. Units 1 and 3 continue to operate normally. The power plants at Olkiluoto play a crucial role in Finland’s electricity production, and the outage of the second reactor has led to an increase in market electricity prices.

Pekka Salomaa, the head of energy markets at the Energy Industry, expressed surprise last week, noting that such a significant issue was identified at Unit 2 only four months after its annual maintenance.