With Parliamentary approval for a long-term solution on radioactive waste disposal and a fifth nuclear reactor, Finland is a classic example of progress, and a country from which the UK has much to learn.

To give all parties the chance to hear about the Finnish experience, this September, NIA, in association with the Scientific Alliance, organised a three day inward visit of five representatives from Finland: Mikko Elo MP, Social Democratic Party of Finland, a key player in the political process leading to the decisions, Timo Sepp�l� of Posiva, the Finnish waste management company, Risto Tarjanne from Lappeenranta University of Technology, involved in the economic comparison of generating sources that resulted in the choice of nuclear, Ahti Toivola, of TVO, the nuclear utility that has ordered the new reactor and Hanna Tuominen, of the Municipality of Eurajoki and Rauma Region where the proposed waste site and reactor will be located.

Robert Key MP and Gordon McKerron, Chair of CoRWM (Committee on Radioactive Waste Management), were just two of the key players keen to meet the Finnish visitors. A seminar with some 30 influential participants in Portcullis House, Westminster was a focal point in the programme. Expertly delivered presentations were followed by interesting discussions in breakout groups on "Public Perception" and "New Build & Security of Supply". 

We learned from the Finns that a committed policy of public engagement and a clear safety case are vital to any future progress in the nuclear energy arena. The UK's energy concerns are reflected in Finland: a rise in energy consumption contrasts with insufficient supply from renewables. Dependence on imported natural gas compromises security of supply and releases carbon emissions, which Finland is keen to keep down.

Hanna Tuominen, Bill Olner MP, Timo Seppala and Mikko Elo MP, speaking at the NIA/Scientific Alliance Labour Party Conference fringe meeting in Brighton

Lord McNally, now Lib Dem Leader in the House of Lords, and Laurence Robertson MP, Shadow Energy Minister reinforced the value of nuclear energy to an audience of some 50 guests at NIA hosted receptions held at Liberal Democrat and Conservative Conferences respectively. It is clear that the energy question is creeping up the political agenda.

NIA were delighted to facilitate the visit and welcomed working with the Scientific Alliance. We are pleased the delegation was so well received, and anticipate promising outcomes from the event and scope for future events of a similar nature.