Finland inaugurates VTT Centre for Nuclear Safety

The new VTT Centre for Nuclear Safety (CNS) research center has been inaugurated in Espoo, Finland. Both experimental work and supercomputational modeling will be carried out in the facility.

The building's office and laboratory facilities are already being taken into use, and full operation will be reached in stages. Research equipment installations are still in progress. The building will be in full use by some time in 2018.

The VTT Centre for Nuclear Safety will ensure VTT's long-term capabilities in experimental research and its role as an international key player in the sector.

"Public authorities and power companies need research expertise and modern equipment for evaluating the safety of Finland's nuclear power plants. We aim to respond to international demand in addition to this domestic need," says Satu Helynen, Vice President, Nuclear Safety.

Experimental research will cover aspects of the performance of reactor materials, radiochemistry and final disposal solutions of nuclear waste.

Most of the specialists working on the premises will be involved in the computational modelling of reactor safety and final disposal issues. In addition, on the same premises the subsidiary, VTT Expert Services Ltd, will test the proficiency of nuclear power plant iodine filters.

The building is 7,800 net square metres in size. Particular account has been taken of personnel and environmental safety in the design and construction of the building.