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.

Videberg Kraft AB becomes the first company to request government support to build two new reactors at the Ringhals site, under the national nuclear investment framework adopted in 2025.
The European Commission opens an in-depth investigation into Prague's public funding of a major nuclear project, which could reach €30bn ($32.88bn), with guaranteed revenues over forty years.
Niigata's assembly officially backs the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa site, marking a key step in Japan’s return to nuclear energy following the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
The Japanese government plans to fund up to 30% of loans required for nuclear projects, aiming to accelerate reactor restarts and double the share of nuclear energy in its energy mix by 2040.
French nuclear reactor developer Newcleo has submitted its lead-cooled small modular reactor design to Euratom, initiating the first regulatory phase to integrate nuclear non-proliferation safeguards at the European level.
US-based Holtec has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary’s energy group MVM to assess the deployment of its SMR-300 technology, strengthening bilateral nuclear cooperation and opening prospects for a new market in Central Europe.
California-based startup Radiant has secured $300mn to build its first factory in Tennessee and prepare for the mass production of miniature nuclear reactors for off-grid applications.
Terra Innovatum has increased its interactions with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to advance licensing of its SOLO™ micro-modular reactor, despite the partial shutdown of the US federal government.
The US nuclear regulator has extended the operating licences of three Illinois reactors by 20 years, strengthening Constellation's long-term industrial outlook for the Clinton and Dresden sites.
The SATURNE Industrial Chair aims to develop innovative uranium extraction methods, with joint funding from Orano and the National Research Agency over a four-year period.
US-based X-energy has signed a reservation agreement with South Korea's Doosan Enerbility to secure key components for its small modular nuclear reactors.
Niger expands its mining alliances with Uranium One to develop new sites, while the Dasa project continues seeking financing despite clear political backing.
Samsung Heavy Industries has received Approval in Principle for a floating nuclear plant featuring two SMART100 reactors, marking a step toward the commercialisation of offshore small modular reactors.
The Indian government proposes a unified legal framework for nuclear energy, aiming to boost private investment and increase installed capacity to 100 GW by 2047.
Samsung C&T strengthens its presence in modular nuclear energy in Europe by signing an agreement with Synthos Green Energy to develop up to 24 SMRs in Poland and several Central European countries.
Israeli firm nT-Tao and Ben-Gurion University have developed a nonlinear control system that improves energy stability in fusion plasmas, strengthening the technical foundation of their future compact reactors.
The Indian government has introduced a bill allowing private companies to build and operate nuclear power plants, ending a state monopoly in place for over five decades.
Natura Resources enters a new regulatory phase for its molten salt reactor MSR-1, following the signing of a framework agreement with the US Department of Energy under the Reactor Pilot Program.
Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning is surveying 22 localities to assess their interest in hosting storage facilities for radioactive waste from the country’s former research reactors.
Electricité de France's Flamanville 3 reactor has reached full power for the first time, marking a key industrial milestone in the deployment of EPRs in Europe, despite cost overruns reaching EUR23.7bn ($25.7bn).

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.