Proposal for Norwegian SMR power plant progresses

Thursday, 10 April 2025

Norsk Kjernekraft submitted a proposal to Norway's Ministry of Energy in November 2023 for an assessment into the construction of the small modular reactor (SMR) plant. According to the preliminary plan, the plant will be located in a common industrial area - the Taftøy industrial park - in the border area between Aure and Heim. The plant is planned to consist of several SMRs, which together will produce around 12.5 TWh of electricity annually, if the plant is realised in its entirety.

The Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Health and Care Services, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, and the Ministry of Climate and Environment have now requested the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE), the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA), and the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) programme for the proposed plant.

The ministries have requested that the recommendation be ready before the summer, and no later than September.

"The recommendation shall be based on the project owner's proposal for an assessment programme, received consultation statements and the directorates' own assessments," the Ministry of Energy said. "The purpose of the impact assessment is to elucidate the consequences of the planned measure and contribute to a basis for a well-informed and sound decision-making basis in any subsequent licence processes pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act and the Energy Act, respectively, as well as for permits under the Pollution Act and approvals pursuant to the Radiation Protection Act."

Norsk Kjernekraft said the assignment "marks a significant step in developing practical guidelines for the application of Norway's nuclear legislation. While Norway already has overarching nuclear legislation, this marks the first time it will be applied to commercial nuclear power".

"We are proud to have contributed to this historic milestone," said Norsk Kjernekraft CEO Jonny Hesthammer. "This is the first time Norway is taking concrete steps toward establishing nuclear power, an initiative that can deliver clean and sustainable energy for future generations. We see this as a critical step towards enhancing Norway's energy security, maintaining industrial productivity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This project will not only strengthen our energy supply but also create jobs and promote sustainable economic growth."

Norsk Kjernekraft aims to build, own and operate SMR power plants in Norway in collaboration with power-intensive industry. It says it will prepare licence applications in accordance with national regulations and international standards. It will follow the International Atomic Energy Agency's approach for milestones, and focus on what creates value in the early phase. Financing will take place in collaboration with capital-strong industry and solid financial players.

Aure and Heim is one of four possible location for a nuclear power plant that Norsk Kjernekraft has announced, the other municipalities being Vardø, Øygarden and Halden.

In June 2024, the Norwegian government appointed a committee to conduct a broad review and assessment of various aspects of a possible future establishment of nuclear power in the country. It must deliver its report by 1 April 2026.