Strained power balance in the Finnish power system on 5 January 2008 from 22.00 to 24.00

The Olkiluoto 2 power plant tripped from the Finnish grid on 5 January 2008 in the morning at 9.16. The price of balance power rose exceptionally high during several hours.

According to the forecasts, Fingrid’s gas turbine reserves should have been started during the night time demand peak from 22.00 to 24.00 in order to maintain the power balance in Finland. The full volume of electricity was being imported into Finland, and no other production was available in time in Finland. However, the gas turbines were not started.

The Olkiluoto 2 power plant was synchronised with the grid at 3.57.   Further information:
Timo Kaukonen +358 (0)40 545 2124
Reima Päivinen +358 (0)40 556 2662