May 24, 2002
The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation (Suomen luonnonsuojeluliitto) is very disappointed at the decision, made by the Finnish parliament, which gave the possibility to build a fifth nuclear power reactor.
"This decision is a severe back-lash to the environment and nature. With this decision Finland has detached itself from the path of sustainable develoment. It is incomprehensible how a country like Finland, which swears in the name of new technology can make this kind of decision" said Heikki Simola, the chairman of the Association.
The Association makes it clear that the decision made now, is just a decision in principle. It gives only the possibility to build the new reactor.
"So far, the industry has not wanted or has not been able to show who the investors are, that are willing to invest in the new reactor. In the present situation of open electricity markets it is probably very difficult. Also the hostile international atmosphere towards nuclear energy will probably lower the interest to invest. In addition building permission has to still be given by the Government. This is not yet a decision to build the reactor." reminds Simo Kyllönen, the Association's energy adviser.
In the future, the work of the Association on energy and climate change issues will concentrate on following-up all the promises made by industry and state during the debate for the fifth reactor, making sure that they will be fullfilled.
Industries have been exceptionally worried about CO2 emissions and have enthustiastically presented their contributions to the development of renewable energy resources and in energy saving measures.
"It is clear that we will demand from industry, speedy action to limit emissions, also in transport and elsewhere in energy production. The real will of Finnish industry to limit their emissions will be measured in the near future, in international emission trade initiatives and in negotiations for new commitment periods in climate change conventions" states Tuuli Kaskinen the energy co-ordinator of the Association. "In addition, we await from parliament and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, quick action to halt the growth of electricity consumption to the level which the government set out in its extra statement added onto its decision of the fifth reactor. Also, the subsidies for renewable energy production have yet to be raised to the level of its climate change strategy. The level, has still not been achieved, not even after the extra subsidies set in the supplementary budget."
MORE INFORMATION:
Finnish Association for Nature Conservation
- energy adviser Simo Kyllönen, tel. +358 40 822 2649 (mobile)
- energy coordinator Tuuli Kaskinen, tel. +358 50 514 9752 (mobile)
- chairman Heikki Simola, tel. +358 13 251 3499 (work), +358 50
5660 640 (mobile)