Finland recycles nuclear waste into clean energy

November 12, 2025

In a landmark move for Finland’s energy and sustainability sector, Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO) and Rauman Biovoima Oy have partnered to launch an innovative project that will recycle maintenance waste from the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant for energy production at the Rauman Biovoima combined heat and power (CHP) plant in Rauma.

This initiative marks Finland’s first-ever effort to repurpose non-radioactive nuclear power plant waste as a renewable energy source — a major milestone in the nation’s circular economy goals.

Transforming Olkiluoto’s maintenance waste into energy

Under this collaboration, non-radiation-controlled maintenance waste from TVO’s Olkiluoto nuclear facility in southwest Finland will be transported to the Rauman Biovoima CHP plant. The waste will be processed and converted into electricity, process steam, and district heat, contributing to cleaner and more efficient local energy production.

The first pilot batch, totaling just under ten cubic meters, is expected to be delivered by the end of November. TVO estimates that the Olkiluoto plant generates 30–80 cubic meters of recyclable maintenance waste annually, including overalls, gloves, and plastic coverings. Materials unsuitable for incineration will be removed prior to transfer to ensure complete safety.

Safe and sustainable waste recycling

According to TVO, all waste selected for this process is verified as free from radiation and completely safe for people and the environment. The company emphasized that this new operational model enables the reuse of previously landfilled materials through controlled energy recovery.

 “The benefit of the new operating model is that this waste can now, for the first time, be reclaimed for reuse by burning it for energy,” TVO stated.

Historically, such waste was buried in landfills, a process that incurred higher costs and consumed valuable land resources. Through waste-to-energy recycling, the companies aim to reduce environmental impact, cut disposal costs, and enhance Finland’s circular energy economy.

Rauman Biovoima: a leader in circular energy production

The Rauman Biovoima CHP plant, operated by Managing Director Markus Pyykönen, will handle the nuclear plant waste without requiring any modifications or special treatment processes. The waste will be treated like any other recycled biofuel, blending seamlessly with the plant’s primary fuels — wood, logging residues, and forest industry byproducts.

“The acceptance of maintenance waste exempt from control excellently supports Rauman Biovoima’s systematic work as a promoter of the circular economy and sustainable production,” said Pyykönen.

The Rauma facility already supplies nearly all district heat in the city and provides energy to a local paper mill, reinforcing its role as a key player in sustainable regional development.

Advancing Finland’s circular energy future

This collaboration between TVO and Rauman Biovoima represents a pioneering step toward sustainable energy use and waste minimization. Approved by Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), the project adheres to all official safety and environmental regulations governing non-radioactive waste processing.

By turning maintenance waste into usable energy, the initiative aligns perfectly with Finland’s national sustainability targets, reducing landfill dependency and maximizing material reuse.

As the pilot project unfolds, it is expected to serve as a model for other nuclear facilities across Finland and Europe, showcasing how industrial byproducts can be safely reintegrated into the energy cycle. This marks a significant advancement in the journey toward carbon neutrality and circular energy solutions.