Demolition begins at abandoned nuclear power plant site in Pyhäjoki

Behind the gates lies a haunting sight: on a sprawling industrial area of hundreds of hectares sit tens of thousands of square meters of abandoned warehouses and offices, originally intended to support the construction of a nuclear power plant at Hanhikivi Peninsula in Pyhäjoki. The site meant for the nuclear facility is now filled with water where ducks swim. The project aimed to create a 1,200-megawatt nuclear power plant through a partnership between Fennovoima and Russian Rosatom. However, after numerous setbacks, the initiative collapsed in 2022, leaving a 570-hectare incomplete construction site awaiting a new future.

A modern office building, constructed in 2022, remains empty before its intended use. Demolition of the buildings constructed for Rosatom’s purposes has now begun, though some of the eight structures slated for demolition were never completed.

The abandoned site also hosted various companies; Business Oulu reported that hundreds of businesses were involved over the years. One of these was Havator, which provided lifting services and special transport. Erkki Hanhirova, a former owner and CEO of Havator, recounted their involvement in preparations to offer services, recalling how the project gradually faded and stalled.

According to Fennovoima’s CEO, Matti Suurnäki, the initial phase of demolition will be completed by the end of the year, involving eight buildings including offices and a canteen. While some materials may be repurposed or resold, decisions on additional areas awaiting demolition are still pending. Currently, there is significant interest in the site from both domestic and European operators, but discussions are at an early stage, complicated by ongoing arbitration regarding billions in repair claims between Fennovoima and Rosatom.