Nuclear Energy in Finland

Sirja-Leena Penttinen

doi:10.21029/JAEL.2025.38.91

Sirja-Leena Penttinen Associate Professor (tenured) in Law and Sustainability Transitions (Faculty of Law, University of Lapland, Finland)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21029/JAEL.2025.38.91

Keywords: nuclear, small modular reactors, decision-in-principle, nuclear waste management

Abstract

Finland has an ambitious decarbonisation agenda aiming for climate neutrality by 2035. The country relies significantly on nuclear power to meet its energy needs. Finland operates five nuclear reactors across two power plants, with a combined capacity of over 4,000 MWe. Finland is also a global leader in nuclear waste management, hosting the world’s first permanent underground repository for spent nuclear fuel at Onkalo. This article provides a comprehensive overview of nuclear energy in Finland, focusing on its current state, regulatory framework, and future prospects. The regulatory framework governing nuclear energy in Finland is robust, involving multiple authorities and a detailed licensing procedure. Recent trends indicate a growing interest in small modular reactors for district heating and power production, necessitating potential legislative reforms to accommodate these technologies.