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:

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.

Tehran agrees to reopen its nuclear facilities to the IAEA, aiming to resume negotiations with Washington, while Moscow pushes for a “zero enrichment” agreement without getting involved in supervision.
TerraPower has selected three new American suppliers for its advanced Natrium nuclear reactor, confirming progress on the project located in Kemmerer, Wyoming, intended to replace a retiring coal-fired power plant.
Energy Exploration Technologies acquires Daytona Lithium, an Australian subsidiary of Pantera Lithium, for AUD40mn ($27mn), bringing its strategic lithium basin footprint in Smackover, USA to nearly 50,000 acres.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has identified no major barriers to licensing the ARC-100 reactor, announces ARC Clean Technology.
SE Ignalina, the Lithuanian nuclear operator, has signed a memorandum of understanding with French firm Newcleo to explore the integration of small modular reactors (SMRs) using lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology in Lithuania.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi oversaw the signing of new agreements for the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, thus strengthening the strategic cooperation between Egypt and Russia.
Vistra Corp receives green light to extend Perry nuclear plant operations in Ohio by 20 years, securing regional electricity supply until 2046 and ensuring operational continuity for all its nuclear reactors in the United States.
EDF will hold a 12.5% stake in the Sizewell C nuclear project in the UK, a €1.3 billion investment announced during Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to London, confirming the strategic nuclear energy alignment between the two countries.
The French Cigéo project, designed to bury the most hazardous radioactive waste deep underground, obtains a crucial technical validation before its final authorization, expected by the end of 2027.
EDF confirms the continuation of its industrial project in Fessenheim for recycling very low-level radioactive metals, a first in France requiring specific regulatory authorizations, following a public debate concluded last February.
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. formalizes its collaboration with UrAmerica Ltd. to strengthen Argentina’s uranium supply, aiming to secure future nuclear fuel supply chains for the U.S. market.
American companies SHINE Technologies and Standard Nuclear partner to recycle uranium and plutonium, supplying advanced fuel to the nuclear reactor sector and enhancing the national energy security of the United States.
The American Bureau of Shipping and two nuclear sector companies are studying the potential deployment of floating nuclear power plants to meet the energy needs of island and coastal regions in the Mediterranean, notably via electricity and desalination.
Lithuania establishes a working group tasked with assessing the feasibility of modular nuclear reactors to meet electricity demand estimated at 74 TWh by 2050.
Framatome has secured two significant contracts from Electrabel covering modernisation and technical support for the Tihange 3 and Doel 4 nuclear reactors, as part of their extension agreed upon between Engie and the Belgian government.
Cairo is stepping up connection works for the planned 4,800 MW El-Dabaa nuclear plant, developed with Rosatom, to feed the grid from 2026 with output equal to about seven % of national electricity.
EDF extends Flamanville EPR's shutdown to August 13 to conduct technical checks on three valves of the reactor's primary circuit, initially scheduled to resume production this week.
The US Department of Energy has selected Westinghouse and Radiant Nuclear to conduct the first nuclear microreactor tests at the DOME experimental centre located in Idaho, with operational start expected in spring 2026.
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and Fortum announce partnership aimed at preparing for the potential deployment of small modular reactors in Finland and Sweden, with commissioning scheduled for the 2030s.
Energy Fuels Inc. announced record production of 638,700 pounds of uranium during the second quarter of 2025 at its Pinyon Plain mine in Arizona, significantly surpassing initial site performance forecasts.