European Greens say “No thanks” to Finnish nuclear energy

The European Greens condemn plans for new nuclear reactors in Finland and give their support to the Finnish Greens in their work for providing more sustainable and responsible energy solutions. The European Greens say "Yes" to renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency, but "No" to outdated, expensive and risky nuclear energy.

In 2002 Finland decided to license the country's fifth nuclear reactor, Olkiluoto 3, now notorious for costly delays and unexpected complications during on going construction. In spite of serious difficulties in Olkiluoto, new nuclear projects have surfaced in Finland: Three companies (TVO, Fortum and Fennovoima) have initiated EIAs at specific sites around Finland in order to build new reactors.

The German E.ON owns 34% of Fennovoima, and Swedish Boliden is also part of the consortium. Vattenfall has expressed interest in getting involved in a Finnish nuclear project as well. At the same time the country's outdated mining law has made it possible for companies to initiate several uranium mining claims around the country.

Should these plans be realised, Finland would become a nuclear wasteland of uranium mines, nuclear power plants and possibly in the future even importing nuclear waste. Finland would be providing Europe with nuclear energy as well as taking care of Europe's nuclear waste generated in Finnish reactors.  The transports of uranium and nuclear waste in the Baltic Sea would be multiplied.

The European Greens condemn these efforts and urge the Finnish government to recognise that nuclear energy will not solve the global climate problem and has serious drawbacks (e.g. major accidents, radioactive waste, risks of weapons proliferation and terrorism, health and environmental impacts).

Furthermore all opinion polls show that Finnish people prefer renewable energy as energy source.

The European Greens support the Finnish Greens efforts to improve energy efficiency, increase energy saving and promote renewable energy instead of relying on nuclear energy and fossil fuels. 

We want Europe to realise its environmental responsibilities and to implement a green industrial revolution. Instead of new nuclear investments member states should concentrate on renewable energy and energy saving technologies. 

The future in Europe and in the world belongs to sun, wind, water, biomass and other renewable sources.