Finland approves nuclear reactor

HELSINKI, Finland -- Finland has voted to defy environmentalists and build the first new nuclear reactor in Western Europe in more than 10 years.

Parliament voted by 107 votes to 92 for the coalition government's controversial proposal to construct a fifth atomic reactor to guarantee long-term energy supplies, cut its dependence on Russia and meet greenhouse gas targets.

It will be the first such plant since 1991, when France decided to build a new reactor, and could encourage similar decisions elsewhere in Europe.

Environmentalists have bitterly opposed the plan, saying it ignores health and security risks -- the latter even more important since September 11.

But the pro-nuclear lobby hailed the decision, saying it would spur other west European countries which are lagging behind eastern Europe and Asia in expanding nuclear power.

Nuclear power fell from favour in Europe after the deadly 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power station explosion, Many European governments have moved to alternative energy sources like hydro-electric power or natural gas.

The Finnish decision comes almost three decades since the last reactor was built in Finland, which has no oil or natural gas of its own.

The five-party coalition government, with the exception of its Green Party member, has insisted that a new reactor was needed to reduce its reliance on imports.

Finland imports more than 70 percent of its energy, mostly from Russia.

Environment Minister Satu Hassi, a member of the Green Party which may leave the coalition following parliament's decision, has criticised the government for raising the Cold War ghost of the nation's need to lessen dependence on neighbour Russia.

The government does not need Green Party support to survive.

Nuclear power producer Tellisuuden Voima Oy (TVO), which runs two of four nuclear plants in Finland, is expected to spend up to 2.5 billion euros ($2.30 billion) to build the reactor.