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Finland's Fortum starts using U.S. nuclear fuel in quote to reduce Russian reliance

Finnish energy Fortum stated on Monday it has successfully begun utilizing nuclear fuel from U.S.based Westinghouse Electric as it seeks to change Russian nuclear fuel at its Loviisa power plant in Finland.

The loading of the new fuel is a substantial turning point that guarantees a reliable Western alternative for fuel, Fortum stated in a declaration, adding that the very first batch from Westinghouse had been filled throughout the power plant's yearly interruption in August.

The safe and trusted operation of our Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant is essential for Finland's security of supply, it stated.

The Loviisa website has depended upon nuclear fuel it sources from TVEL, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned power business Rosatom, however Fortum began wanting to replace the Russian fuel in 2022 after Moscow's full-blown

intrusion

of Ukraine.

Fortum's 2 atomic power plants in Loviisa represent around 10% of Finland's overall power production. The Nordic nation has expressed issues over prospective disruptions in fuel deliveries from Russia after its choice to

join

NATO last year.

Fortum's CEO Markus Rauramo stated on Monday the company would respect its existing contracts with TVEL, which are running up until 2027 and 2030.

(source: Reuters)