Olkiluoto 2 Nuclear Reactor to Operate at Reduced Capacity Until Late 2027
The Olkiluoto 2 (OL2) nuclear reactor will continue operating at a reduced power level until the end of 2027, Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO) has confirmed. The restriction, which limits production to 735 megawatts (MW) instead of the full 890 MW capacity, is in place to mitigate the risk of a rotor failure that could force a complete shutdown of the plant.
TVO announced on Thursday that the reduced output will remain in effect until a new, technically superior rotor is installed in the latter half of 2027. Yle reports that the decision follows the delivery of a refurbished spare rotor to the plant on Wednesday, though the company has opted to maintain the restriction to ensure production continuity. According to TVO’s plant manager Jukka Vastamäki, the measure is driven by a desire to avoid disruptions while awaiting the new rotor.
The power reduction was initially introduced due to the lack of a spare rotor after an earlier failure. Daily Finland notes that TVO had previously indicated the restriction would last until the 2027 annual maintenance, which concludes in June. However, the company has now extended the timeline to align with the installation of the upgraded rotor, expected in late 2027. Conservative risk assessments have informed the decision to keep production at the lower level until then.
The OL2 reactor has been operating at 735 MW since the restriction was implemented, a precautionary step to prevent another rotor failure that could halt electricity generation entirely. The new rotor, described as technically improved, is anticipated to resolve the underlying issue and allow the plant to return to full capacity.