Norway and South Korea: Cooperation on Modular Reactors at Mongstad

Norsk Kjernekraft and DL Group start a study for modular nuclear reactors in Mongstad, to meet Norway's energy needs and emissions reduction targets.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Norsk Kjernekraft, in collaboration with DL Energy and DL E&C, is undertaking a feasibility study for the installation of modular nuclear reactors (SMR) at the Mongstad refinery site.
This initiative is part of the search for solutions to reduce CO2 emissions while meeting the region’s growing energy demand.
The choice of Mongstad, a strategic site and Norway’s main CO2 emitter, reflects the importance of the project for the country’s energy transition.
The partnership with South Korean entities provides the proven technical and operational expertise needed to ensure the viability of this complex project.

Industrial and energy issues

The introduction of SMR in Norway represents a key step towards diversifying the country’s energy mix.
By focusing on Mongstad, the aim is to integrate a reliable energy source capable of supporting local industry while contributing to Norway’s environmental commitments.
SMRs offer operational flexibility that could play a crucial role in stabilizing energy supply, particularly in industrial areas where demand is high.
The project is scheduled for commissioning in the 2030s, subject to the political decisions needed to support this technology.

Outlook for nuclear power in Norway

Norsk Kjernekraft is exploring other potential sites for SMRs in Norway, notably in the municipalities of Øygarden, Aure, Heim and Vardø. These proposals are currently being studied by the Norwegian authorities, who have appointed a committee to assess the economic, environmental and technical implications of introducing nuclear power in the country. The Norwegian government is due to receive the committee’s conclusions in April 2026, a report that will strongly influence the future of nuclear projects in Norway.
In the meantime, the study underway at Mongstad could serve as a model for other similar initiatives, combining local expertise with international know-how.
This cooperation marks a significant milestone in the development of nuclear power in Norway, positioning the country to meet future energy challenges while integrating new technologies into its energy infrastructure.

Bishkek plans to host a RITM-200N small modular reactor supplied by Rosatom to address electricity shortages and deepen energy ties with Moscow, despite the risks posed by Western sanctions.
The Niigata prefectural assembly will vote on the restart of Unit 6, potentially marking TEPCO’s first reactor relaunch since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
The Norwegian government has initiated a consultation with neighbouring countries on its modular nuclear power plant project in Aure and Heim, in accordance with the Espoo Convention.
Türkiye and South Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore nuclear power plant projects, marking a strategic step in the long-term development of Türkiye's energy infrastructure.
Asian Development Bank has amended its energy policy to enable funding for civil nuclear projects in developing member countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
First Hydrogen begins research with the University of Alberta to identify molten-salt mixtures simulating nuclear fuels for SMR prototypes.
Framatome has completed the manufacturing of the first nuclear fuel assemblies for the Barakah power plant, marking a key milestone in the supply agreement signed with Emirates Nuclear Energy Company in July.
A government-commissioned report proposes 47 measures to simplify nuclear regulation, reduce decommissioning costs and accelerate delivery of civilian and military projects.
The Hualong One reactor at Zhangzhou nuclear power plant has been connected to the grid, marking a major milestone in the expansion of China’s civilian nuclear programme.
Russian state nuclear group Rosatom has validated the additive manufacturing of parts for its small modular reactors, marking an industrial first for RITM-200 SMR plant equipment.
California-based Maritime Fusion, backed by Y Combinator and Trucks VC, is betting on a decentralised approach to fusion to target maritime and off-grid applications.
Bayridge Resources secures a majority stake in an advanced uranium project in Canada, strengthening its strategic presence in a geologically promising region.
A significant volume of concrete from the dismantling of the Sizewell A nuclear power plant is being transferred to support the foundations of the Sizewell C project, under a partnership between UK nuclear sector stakeholders.
The Janus programme will deploy micro nuclear power plants across nine military bases to reinforce energy autonomy for critical U.S. Army installations.
The Idaho National Laboratory has started irradiation testing on uranium-zirconium fuel samples from Lightbridge in its experimental reactor, marking a key step toward the industrial validation of advanced nuclear fuel.
NexGen Energy has opened Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission hearings for the final approval of its Rook I uranium project, following more than six years of regulatory process.
Oklo has signed a binding agreement with Siemens Energy to accelerate manufacturing of the energy conversion system for its first advanced nuclear power plant in the United States.
A security document handling incident at the nuclear power plant renews concerns about TEPCO as a key decision on restarting reactors 6 and 7 approaches in Niigata.
An initial civil nuclear cooperation agreement was signed between the United States and Saudi Arabia, prompting calls from the US Congress for strict safeguards to prevent a Middle East arms race.
The launch of the Zhaoyuan nuclear project anchors the Hualong One model inland, illustrating Beijing’s strategy of regulatory normalisation in response to Western technological restrictions.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.