Estonia: Towards a Nuclear Transition to Carbon Neutrality

Estonia is considering nuclear power as a viable option for diversifying its energy mix and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, according to an IAEA mission.

Share:

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently concluded an integrated review of Estonia’s nuclear infrastructure, at the request of the country’s government. The move is part of Estonia’s efforts to diversify its energy sources and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. At present, the country’s electricity production is mainly based on fossil fuels, in particular oil shale.

Estonia had previously collaborated with Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to build a new nuclear power plant in Lithuania, but this project was abandoned in 2016. Estonia’s energy plans now focus on the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). A government task force, set up in 2021, is currently finalizing a report that will provide recommendations to support decision-making at government level.

Background to the IAEA Mission

The IAEA team, made up of international experts from Brazil and the UK, examined 19 nuclear infrastructure issues using the IAEA’s Phase 1 Step-by-Step Approach methodology. Among the best practices identified were the commissioning of a comprehensive set of detailed studies with the support of external experts, and a strategy to support short- and long-term human resources development.

Next steps for Estonia

According to Eric Mathet, Operational Head of the IAEA’s Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section, Estonia is well organized in its preparations for a possible transition to nuclear power. However, the team also stressed that Estonia needs to finalize its overall report to support the decision on a possible nuclear program, including clear timetables for key activities.

Estonia is positioning itself as a serious candidate for a transition to nuclear power as part of its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. The next steps will be to finalize the government report and develop a solid legal and regulatory framework to support the next phase of the program.

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.
Argentina and Peru have signed an agreement expanding their scientific and technological cooperation in the civil nuclear field, including joint research projects and specialised training programmes for future development.
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.