The energy company Teollisuuden Voima (TVO) has been producing nuclear power on the cape of Olkiluoto for three decades. This is also the site for TVO's new Olkiluoto 3 plant unit. However, the construction of the unit's reactor, built by the French company Areva, has been beset with difficulties and delays.

According to TVO's 3 unit project manager Jouni Silvenoinen, the planning of the security systems for the new unit has taken longer than expected.

After the disasters in Japan, the security systems need to be further developed. The new nuclear plant can withstand Scandinavian-scale earthquakes as well as rises in sea water up to 3,5 metres. The plant is to have four electricity backup systems, so that disasters like the ones in Japan may be averted. According to Silvennoinen, TVO is also reassessing security and design issues of Olkiluoto Units 1 and 2.

Threat of workers' action on Friday

About four thousand are employed at the Olkiluoto 3 project. About two thirds of the workers are foreigners. Polish and German workers account for 18 percent of the workforce, while 9 percent are expert welders from Croatia.

The Metal Workers Union of Finland has threatened to blockade the Olkiluoto worksite on Friday due to unpaid salaries. This may further delay the construction of the new nuclear plant, which is already two years behind schedule.

According to project manager Silvennoinen, the new nuclear plant should to be up and running by the end of 2013.