THE NEW NUCLEAR FOR FINLAND
Vladimir Vinogradov
WOGNEWS.NET, Global Energy Market Climate Changes News. Новости мирового энергетического рынка, изменений климата.
The ministry said the operating environment of nuclear facilities is also changing and the regulatory framework for nuclear power generation needs to be reformed in the light of these developments. "New players, operating models and technologies are emerging in the industry, such as small modular reactors (SMRs). A carbon-neutral energy system requires zero-emission production of electricity and heat, where increasing the use of nuclear energy is one of the solution options.
"SMRs do not eliminate relevant issues of safety, security arrangements or, for example, the management of nuclear waste management. If we are talking about district heating plants, they must also be built quite close to population centers."
Issues covered by the legislation will continue to include nuclear and radiation safety, security arrangements, safeguards and nuclear liability, TEM noted.
However, the ministry said the Finnish regulator - the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) - must be provided with "sufficient various control tools in legislation to ensure the safe operation of existing large nuclear power plant units and potential SMR power plants." It added, "It is necessary to lay down more precisely the criteria for the rights and obligations arising from the use of nuclear energy.