The role of nuclear power in a modeled carbon-free Finnish power system

Finland aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. A carbon-free power system is mandatory in achieving this ambitious climate policy. This paper examines the technical and economic effects of nuclear power as part of a carbon-free Finnish power system. The model uses hourly historical data from three years, with wind, photovoltaics and hydropower as the generating technologies. 45% of Finnish hydropower is run-of-river hydro, with limited potential for adjustable regulation. Several scenarios with differing amounts of nuclear power are investigated, and optimal amounts of wind, photovoltaics and electricity storage are calculated. Increasing nuclear capacity reduces required electricity storage and system costs.