Fingrid to test functionality of OL3 nuke plant

The Finnish national electricity transmission grid operator, Fingrid is arranging a separate Fault Ride Through test to ensure the reliability of Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant, said Fingrid in a press release on Wednesday.

The Fault Ride Through will be carried out after the power change tests at full power of Olkiluoto 3, but before starting commercial operation.

With its net production capacity of approximately 1,600 megawatts, Olkiluoto 3 is the single largest power plant unit not only in the Finnish but also the Nordic electricity system.

In terms of the functionality of the entire electricity system, it is important to ensure during Olkiluoto 3’s test production phase that the power plant operates stably and reliably in various situations, including faults in the grid, the company said.

For the Fault Ride Through, Fingrid will change the connection of the main grid so that the effects of the test for others connected to the grid are minimal.

Olkiluoto 3 must operate reliably during and after the test. During the test, Olkiluoto 3 will produce electricity for the main grid.

Fingrid has set technical and operational requirements for power plants, according to which the power plant must be designed and rated.

The requirements have been compiled in the document “Grid code specification for power generating facilities (VJV)”, which Fingrid maintains and develops, taking into account legislation, the needs of the electricity system, and commonly used technology.

The electricity test production of Olkiluoto 3 resumed on Tuesday.