The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications of Estonia has launched a public tender to select consultancy service providers for a project aimed at identifying a site and conducting environmental impact assessments for the construction of a 600 MW nuclear power plant. This initiative is part of a long-term planning programme that could lead to the construction of the country’s first nuclear reactor.
A nationwide site selection process
The planning process was officially initiated by the Estonian government at the request of Fermi Energia, a national company founded by nuclear energy professionals. The study area includes several municipalities in Lääne-Viru and Ida-Viru counties, as well as a maritime zone stretching from Kunda Bay to Narva Bay, covering approximately 1,285 square kilometres. The objective is to identify the most suitable location, considering technical, environmental, and infrastructure-related criteria.
The ministry stated that the tender, with a deadline set for 8 January, constitutes the first phase of the plan. This stage includes defining the site selection criteria, conducting a preliminary environmental assessment, and other feasibility studies. It will also include planning of electrical grid connections, cooling systems, access routes, and other essential infrastructure.
Structured institutional support
A dedicated working group has been established, bringing together 35 organisations to ensure that technical experts and local stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process. According to Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry Erkki Keldo, this approach aims to “lay the foundation for a new model of energy production in Estonia” while strengthening the country’s energy security.
Fermi Energia plans to submit a construction permit application by 2029. The company already selected in February 2023 the BWRX-300 model developed by GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy. This small modular reactor (SMR) features a 300 MWe water-boiling system with natural circulation and passive safety mechanisms.
International partnerships and deployment timeline
In September, Fermi Energia signed a three-year cooperation agreement with Canadian group Aecon. This partnership includes joint planning of pre-construction costs and schedules, as well as the development of specialised teams for nuclear infrastructure construction. The first of two reactors is expected to be operational in the second half of 2035, with construction scheduled to begin in 2031.
The Estonian government supports the project as a strategic lever to ensure more competitive energy prices, increased independence from energy imports, and the creation of high-skilled jobs in the technological and industrial sectors.
