popular articles

Discussions with Rolls-Royce for SMRs in Sweden and Finland

The nuclear industry is looking to modular reactors to secure its future. With the announcement of discussions between Fortum and Rolls-Royce to build small nuclear reactors in Scandinavia, this innovative technology could soon become a reality.

Please share:

The Finnish energy company Fortum announced on Tuesday discussions with the British group Rolls-Royce to build small Modular Reactor (SMR) in Sweden and Finland. This announcement comes after the return of the right-wing to power in Sweden last fall, with the desire to build at least two new reactors in the Nordic country, which operates six.

Fortum and Rolls-Royce’s SMR subsidiary will jointly explore the possibilities of deploying small modular reactors (SMR) in Finland and Sweden. Rolls-Royce is looking to build its first 470-megawatt, 60-year SMR, supposedly faster to build than a larger nuclear reactor.

A similar agreement to that of Rolls-Royce was announced by Fortum with EDF last December, with discussions for both EPRs and SMRs. The Swedish state-owned group Vattenfall is also considering the construction of SMRs in Sweden.

SMRs or Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) have about 70 to 80 projects worldwide. These modular reactors, which are intended to be the future of civil nuclear power, are smaller than conventional reactors and are built in a factory, which means they can be deployed more quickly and at lower cost. The world’s first SMR, in the form of a floating power plant ship, had been commissioned in the Russian Far East in 2019.

The construction of new nuclear reactors is at the heart of current environmental issues, because nuclear power is a source of energy that does not emit greenhouse gases and is therefore less polluting than fossil fuels. However, nuclear power also raises concerns about the safety of facilities and the management of radioactive waste.

In Finland, an EPR reactor built by the French group Areva is preparing to enter into normal operation in the coming weeks after a long construction period of almost 18 years. But a nuclear reactor project built by Russia’s Rosatom has just been abandoned following the invasion of Ukraine, leaving the question of another new reactor in limbo.

In conclusion, the discussions between Fortum and Rolls-Royce for the construction of small SMRs in Sweden and Finland illustrate the growing interest in this technology in the field of nuclear energy. While large reactors have often faced delays and high costs, SMRs offer an alternative that is faster to build and more flexible in terms of capacity. With approximately 70 to 80 SMR projects worldwide, it is clear that this technology is becoming a reality for the nuclear industry.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The EPR of Flamanville symbolizes the challenges of French nuclear energy: delays, cost overruns, and loss of expertise. As the future shifts toward EPR2, the revival of this strategic sector remains fraught with uncertainties.
Argentine President Javier Milei has unveiled plans to build a modular nuclear reactor to address a 9% increase in energy demand in 2024, largely driven by the rise of artificial intelligence.
Argentine President Javier Milei has unveiled plans to build a modular nuclear reactor to address a 9% increase in energy demand in 2024, largely driven by the rise of artificial intelligence.
The Swiss government proposes lifting the ban on new nuclear power plants to offset the imminent loss of 29% of electricity supplied by aging reactors.
The Swiss government proposes lifting the ban on new nuclear power plants to offset the imminent loss of 29% of electricity supplied by aging reactors.
HD Hyundai and TerraPower collaborate on the Natrium project, a 345 MW nuclear reactor planned in Wyoming by 2030. This project represents a major step forward in the modular reactor sector to enhance the global energy transition.
HD Hyundai and TerraPower collaborate on the Natrium project, a 345 MW nuclear reactor planned in Wyoming by 2030. This project represents a major step forward in the modular reactor sector to enhance the global energy transition.
MAIRE S.p.A. and newcleo Holding launch Italy's first nuclear project under the Meloni government, featuring a 200 MWe advanced modular reactor.
Driven by favorable public policies and growing energy demand, the global nuclear energy market is projected to reach USD 44.71 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 2.9%. Major powers are intensifying investments in the sector.
Driven by favorable public policies and growing energy demand, the global nuclear energy market is projected to reach USD 44.71 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 2.9%. Major powers are intensifying investments in the sector.
Two American grants will finance studies on radioactive waste management and modular nuclear reactors in Bulgaria, strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting the country's energy objectives.
Two American grants will finance studies on radioactive waste management and modular nuclear reactors in Bulgaria, strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting the country's energy objectives.
The Flamanville EPR will be connected to the grid this Friday. After two decades of delays and cost overruns, this next-generation reactor marks a major milestone for French nuclear energy.
The Flamanville EPR will be connected to the grid this Friday. After two decades of delays and cost overruns, this next-generation reactor marks a major milestone for French nuclear energy.
Westinghouse and Aecon announce partnerships to develop AP1000 reactors in Canada, with an economic impact estimated at 20 billion CAD and thousands of jobs at stake.
EPH, a Czech group owned by Daniel Kretinsky, acquires a majority stake in Slovenske Elektrarne for 150 million euros, consolidating its presence in the European nuclear energy market.
EPH, a Czech group owned by Daniel Kretinsky, acquires a majority stake in Slovenske Elektrarne for 150 million euros, consolidating its presence in the European nuclear energy market.
Three associations withdrew from the public debate on the recycling of low-level radioactive metals in Fessenheim, citing a biased and unbalanced process.
Three associations withdrew from the public debate on the recycling of low-level radioactive metals in Fessenheim, citing a biased and unbalanced process.
The European Commission opens an investigation into Poland's public support for its first nuclear project, estimated at €45 billion, to ensure compliance with electricity market competition rules.
The European Commission opens an investigation into Poland's public support for its first nuclear project, estimated at €45 billion, to ensure compliance with electricity market competition rules.
NANO Nuclear and Digihost submit a proposal to NYSERDA to evaluate the integration of advanced nuclear technologies at a 60-megawatt energy site in New York State.
Standard Uranium engages Fleet Space Technologies to conduct multiphysics surveys combining ambient noise tomography and gravimetry. This project targets uranium-bearing corridors in the southwest of the Athabasca Basin.
Standard Uranium engages Fleet Space Technologies to conduct multiphysics surveys combining ambient noise tomography and gravimetry. This project targets uranium-bearing corridors in the southwest of the Athabasca Basin.
An independent economic analysis concludes that including nuclear energy in Australia's electricity market could yield substantial savings, with a cost reduction estimated at 44% compared to a scenario relying solely on renewable energy.
An independent economic analysis concludes that including nuclear energy in Australia's electricity market could yield substantial savings, with a cost reduction estimated at 44% compared to a scenario relying solely on renewable energy.
Iran surpasses critical limits, increasing uranium enrichment to 60%, while agreeing to stricter monitoring by the IAEA. This development heightens international tensions and revives diplomatic concerns.
Iran surpasses critical limits, increasing uranium enrichment to 60%, while agreeing to stricter monitoring by the IAEA. This development heightens international tensions and revives diplomatic concerns.
With over $1 billion in purchase orders in 2024, Candu Energy, a subsidiary of AtkinsRéalis, strengthens its Canadian nuclear supply chain by involving 350 local companies, supporting thousands of jobs and advancing the clean energy transition.
Poland confirms plans for its first nuclear power plant, scheduled to be operational by 2036, while unveiling projects for a second facility by 2040.
Poland confirms plans for its first nuclear power plant, scheduled to be operational by 2036, while unveiling projects for a second facility by 2040.
Two companies, Amentum and Multiconsult, have been tasked with assessing the feasibility of a modular reactor in Halden, marking a key step in Norway's ambition to address its growing energy deficit.
Two companies, Amentum and Multiconsult, have been tasked with assessing the feasibility of a modular reactor in Halden, marking a key step in Norway's ambition to address its growing energy deficit.
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom denounce Iran's increased uranium enrichment, deemed incompatible with civilian use, and call for negotiations to regulate its nuclear program.
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom denounce Iran's increased uranium enrichment, deemed incompatible with civilian use, and call for negotiations to regulate its nuclear program.
The Shimane 2 nuclear power plant in Japan resumed operations on December 7 after 13 years of inactivity. This second boiling water reactor marks a significant milestone in the country's energy revitalization.
The US regulator has validated the control system of the eVinci microreactor, paving the way for its autonomous operation. This innovative technology promises safe and adaptable energy without the need for constant monitoring.
The US regulator has validated the control system of the eVinci microreactor, paving the way for its autonomous operation. This innovative technology promises safe and adaptable energy without the need for constant monitoring.
Following recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Philippines is strengthening its commitment to nuclear energy, aiming to integrate this energy source into its energy mix by 2032.
Following recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Philippines is strengthening its commitment to nuclear energy, aiming to integrate this energy source into its energy mix by 2032.
The Beznau nuclear power plant, the oldest in Europe, will cease operations in 2033 according to its operator, Axpo. Greenpeace Switzerland demands an immediate shutdown to reduce environmental risks and prioritize renewable energy sources.
The Beznau nuclear power plant, the oldest in Europe, will cease operations in 2033 according to its operator, Axpo. Greenpeace Switzerland demands an immediate shutdown to reduce environmental risks and prioritize renewable energy sources.

Advertising