Finland: Ministry releases informed conclusion on Fortum's EIA report

In Finland, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (MEAE) has released its informed conclusion on the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report of Fortum Power and Heat's nuclear power plant in Loviisa. The procedure assessed the impact of continuing the operation of the nuclear power plant by a maximum of 20 years and two different decommissioning alternatives as well as the environmental effects of the final disposal facility for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste. In its informed conclusion, the MEAE states that the assessment report meets the requirements of EIA legislation. The alternatives examined were not found to have such significant adverse environmental effects that could not be accepted, prevented or mitigated to an acceptable level. Finnish power company Fortum has not yet made a decision on applying for licences for the Loviisa nuclear power plant and estimates that it will have a decision-making readiness in 2022.