Police conduct safety exercise at Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant in Finland

Police in heavy protective gear approached the door of the Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant in formation. One officer flung the door open, and the team rushed inside to neutralize a potential threat. This scene, resembling a plot from a detective story, was part of a safety exercise conducted by local authorities at the Olkiluoto plant.

According to Superintendent Joni Saarimäki, who led the drill, the exercise was based on a specific scenario prepared by law enforcement. “It is necessary to practice situations that are sensational and realistic,” he explained.

The Nuclear Energy Act mandates regular joint exercises among authorities and other stakeholders. The planners of these drills must use their imagination, as scenarios must reflect a wide range of possible threats. “It requires a unique kind of artistry. We have experienced teams working on the scripts. Let’s just say this group knows their craft well. They have the creativity to ensure it’s engaging,” Saarimäki noted with a chuckle.

Aside from the Southwest Finland Police Department, various other organizations participated in this week’s exercise, including Teollisuuden Voima, the Border Guard, Helsinki Police, the Satakunta Welfare Region, and the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority.

“The main takeaway from these large joint exercises is to evaluate the effectiveness of collaboration among different agencies in crisis situations,” stated Saarimäki. Although the exercise area was closed to the public, Yle was granted access to government-approved footage captured by Teollisuuden Voima.

The most effective drills are those that come as a complete surprise to participants. According to Saarimäki, the Olkiluoto security exercise was filled with unexpected developments from start to finish. “There’s always ‘one more thing’ if participants think they’ve seen it all,” he added.

While Saarimäki refrained from revealing specific details of the drill, he emphasized the critical importance of nuclear safety, noting that threats could arise from land, sea, or air but assured the public that their safety was not at risk.