Finland grants operating license to Olkiluoto 3 nuclear reactor; production to start in 2020

The Finnish government granted an operating permit to the long-delayed Olkiluoto 3 nuclear reactor, allowing it to start up production in 2020, the country's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment said on Thursday.

The ministry's permit is a key milestone for Olkiluoto 3, a much-delayed 1.6-gigawatt reactor that net power-importer Finland expects will feed its growing industry with energy and reduce its electricity dependency from Russia and Sweden.