GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy has been awarded a contract to conduct outage services for a nuclear power plant in Finland, according to a news release.

In the contract, the terms of which were not disclosed, GE Hitachi will provide control rod drive mechanism exchange services for units one and two of the Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant in Eurajoki, Finland.

The Wilmington-based firm, which provides nuclear services and develops advanced nuclear reactors, recently completed its first supported outage at the plant. 

"The work to support the outage was managed by Wilmington-based personnel. It’s an example of the expertise and technical leadership that we have here to support customers worldwide," Jon Allen, spokesman for GE Hitachi, said in an email.

GE Hitachi, through its contract with Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO), will support such services for the remainder of the nuclear plant's operating license. Work during plant outages typically occurs over a three-to-four week period, officials said.

"The signed contract between the TVO and GEH is an outcome and a result of negotiations which started two years ago,” said Tomi Savolainen, head of maintenance at TVO, in the release. “During the negotiation phase the final context of the contract was evaluated to be long lasting, incorporated with continuous development work and also with clear targets including educational trainings for persons prior to entering Olkiluoto.”

The Finnish government has granted TVO a license to operate under the Nuclear Energy Act, for both units one and two, until the end of 2038.

The Olkiluoto boiling water reactors produce about one-sixth of all electricity consumed in Finland, according to the news release.

“GE has provided TVO with turbine and generator services and we are now proud to deliver under-vessel services to support the Olkiluoto plant,” John Mackleer, senior vice president of field services for GE Hitachi, said in the release. “This spring’s outage was challenged by travel restrictions and quarantine time for all personnel but thanks to the dedication of under-vessel specialists from the U.S., Sweden and Finland, we were able to execute the outage in accordance with the planned timeline."