Reform of nuke energy law recommended

A working group in its report recommended that the government should bring comprehensive reforms to the Nuclear Energy Act.

The working committee appointed in October last year submitted its final report to Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä on Thursday, said the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in a press release.

The group that has examined the need to reform the nuclear energy legislation considers it necessary to launch a comprehensive legislative reform because of the ambiguity of the current legislation, changes in the operating environment of nuclear facilities, and the expected developments.

According to the report, legislation on nuclear energy has adapted to the general legislative development and continues to fulfil the objectives of ensuring security, safeguarding the overall interests of the society, and meeting Finland’s obligations under international law. In addition to the ambiguity of the legislation and changes in the operating environment, the comprehensive reform is also supported by the fact that reducing emissions and combating climate change have become key targets in energy and climate policy.

The working group made a four-point recommendation as the key principle of the legislative reform.

The four points of the recommendation are:

1. Finland will continue to ensure compliance with international agreements, commitments, and best practices related to the use of nuclear energy.

2. A permit system covering the lifecycle of a nuclear facility (government resolution that can be adopted or rejected by parliament, construction permit, operating licence, and licence for decommissioning a nuclear facility) should be continued, respecting democratic decision-making in a transparent and effective manner.

3. Requirements and expectations for the safety and technology of a nuclear facility as well as for the relevant actors and authorities must be clearly specified at different stages of the lifecycle of the nuclear facility and they must be proportionate to the risks arising from the operations to people, the environment, and the society.

4. The concepts used must be clear and understandable.

Earlier, in October, last year, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment appointed the working group to examine the need to amend the Nuclear Energy Act.