Estonia: Fermi Energia Initiates Site Selection Process for a 600 MW Nuclear Plant

Fermi Energia has submitted an application to Estonia's Ministry of Economic Affairs to begin the spatial planning process for a 600 MW nuclear power plant, marking a key step in the country's energy transition.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90€/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90€/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 €/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99€/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 €/year from the second year.

After years of rigorous preparation, Fermi Energia, an Estonian company specializing in nuclear energy, has initiated the site selection process for a 600 MW nuclear power plant. The company has officially submitted an application to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications to begin the necessary spatial planning.

This project is based on six years of extensive research, including 71 detailed studies and partnerships with 32 organizations. These efforts required an investment of €1.4 million, divided between technical analyses and public engagement. More than 50 information sessions were held across 15 localities in the Virumaa region, involving over 500 residents.

Critical Local Engagement

The municipal councils of Viru-Nigula and Lüganuse have already expressed their support for the project, approving their participation in the planning process in 2023 and 2024. The initial phases of site pre-selection, scheduled between 2025 and 2027, will focus on areas near Kunda and the village of Aa.

Between 2027 and 2029, detailed site-specific studies will be conducted to assess their technical compatibility and analyze geographic parameters. The ultimate goal is to submit a construction permit application in 2029, with construction beginning in 2031 and the first reactor operational by 2035.

Innovative Energy Model

The project relies on GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s BWRX-300 model, a 300 MW electric small modular reactor (SMR). This innovative design, featuring natural circulation and passive safety systems, builds on the experience of the already licensed ESBWR reactor.

Support for the project was strengthened by a resolution adopted by the Estonian parliament in 2024, creating a regulatory framework for the integration of nuclear energy. This initiative aligns with the national strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and diversifying the energy mix.

Energy Prospects

Currently, Estonia heavily depends on fossil fuels, particularly oil shale, for electricity generation. However, adopting nuclear energy represents a reliable, low-carbon solution to meet growing energy needs while ensuring competitive electricity prices.

“The spatial plan is essential for identifying the optimal location for the plant, balancing technical requirements with community interests,” said Kalev Kallemets, CEO of Fermi Energia. This initiative reflects Estonia’s commitment to enhancing its electrical grid stability while addressing long-term climate challenges.

Kazakhstan has signed an agreement with Nukem Technologies Engineering Services GmbH to benefit from German expertise in nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management.
The European Court of Justice annulled the European Commission's authorisation of Hungarian state aid for the Paks II nuclear project, questioning compliance with EU public procurement rules.
A Chinese consortium has secured a CNY4.2bn ($594mn) contract for the construction of conventional islands for the Xuwei nuclear project, combining third and fourth generation reactors.
Rosatom and China National Nuclear Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation in talent development and skills training in the nuclear sector.
Iran has reached a new agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency to formalise the resumption of inspections, following months of suspension linked to military tensions and criticism of its nuclear programme.
The French Energy Regulatory Commission outlines a structured plan to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, focusing on industrial heat and series effects to enhance competitiveness.
US-based Nuclearn has secured $10.5mn to scale its artificial intelligence platform, already deployed in over 65 nuclear reactors, to automate critical operations amid rising energy demand.
The steel dome of the CAP1000 Haiyang 4 reactor has been positioned, a major construction milestone paving the way for upcoming maintenance and technical installation phases.
The Groupement des Industriels Français de l'Énergie Nucléaire and the Belgian Nuclear Forum formalise a partnership aimed at strengthening industrial exchanges and joint projects between the two countries’ nuclear sectors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency warns that little time remains to reach an agreement with Iran on fully resuming inspections, as European sanctions could be reimposed within 30 days.
US-based Oklo will build the country’s first privately funded nuclear fuel recycling centre in Oak Ridge, investing $1.7bn and creating over 800 jobs.
The Tennessee Valley Authority partners with ENTRA1 Energy to develop up to 6 gigawatts of modular nuclear capacity, in an unprecedented project supporting energy growth across seven U.S. states.
A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency puts Iran’s 60% enriched uranium at 440.9 kg before Israeli and U.S. strikes, while the agency’s access to enrichment sites has remained suspended since the operations.
US-based Westinghouse has signed six industrial agreements in the UK to supply critical components for its AP1000 and AP300 nuclear projects in Britain and abroad.
NANO Nuclear Energy receives direct funding from the US Air Force innovation branch to assess the integration of its KRONOS MMRâ„¢ microreactor at the Washington D.C. military base.
EDF extends the operation of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool by one year after favourable safety inspections, ensuring continuity of nuclear production and safeguarding more than 1,000 jobs.
Russian nuclear group Rosatom has confirmed advanced discussions with India and Turkey to launch new power plants, including advanced and floating reactor technologies.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has identified uranium particles of industrial origin in samples taken from a Syrian site suspected of hosting an undeclared nuclear reactor.
Norwegian authorities begin the first regulatory phase for two modular nuclear reactor projects, marking a strategic step in the national review of the potential role of nuclear energy in the country’s power mix.
With eleven reactors under construction and major projects such as Jaitapur, India is preparing a nuclear build-up that could place it among the world’s five leading nations in the sector.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.