The Olkiluoto EPR stands on the shores of the Baltic Sea in western Finland, where winter temperatures can fall as low as -28°C. Complementing the plant's existing two reactors, it marks a turning point in the European energy sector. This EPR is a record-breaker: it is the most powerful reactor in Europe (1,600 MW), and only the third to come on stream in the world, after its two Chinese predecessors.

A new source of decarbonised energy for Finland 
The Olkiluoto EPR is eminently strategic, since it alone produces 15% of Finland's electricity! The nuclear power plant as a whole, now totalling three reactors, is capable of supplying 33% of all the country's electricity needs.

A technical and engineering achievement  
Between 2005 and 2011, Areva awarded Bouygues Travaux Publics the civil engineering contract to construct the EPR nuclear island, including the reactor, fuel and safety buildings. This huge fortress, 55 metres in diameter and 55 metres high, has a reinforced concrete outer shell that is 1.80 metres thick and a 1.30-metre-thick prestressed concrete inner containment, lined with a metal waterproofing skin. 

A look back at the project :

The commissioning of the first EPR in Europe opens up new opportunities for the large-scale production of low-carbon energy. With the Flamanville EPR and the Hinkley Point C EPR under construction since 2017, Bouygues Travaux Publics is proud to be involved in these strategic infrastructure projects, which guarantee energy independence and contribute to a sustainable future.