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:

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.

Bahrain has concluded a civil nuclear agreement with the United States and formalised a commitment of $17bn in public investments in the US market, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Kairos Power has installed the vessel for its third test prototype in Oak Ridge, aiming to validate manufacturing methods for its future Hermes reactor supported by the US Department of Energy.
London and Prague formalise a strategic partnership to develop the nuclear sector, focusing on small modular reactors and industrial cooperation on supply chains.
Experts have broadly approved France’s Cigéo deep nuclear waste repository project, highlighting technical uncertainties that demand stronger guarantees for long-term safety.
Uzbekistan advances its nuclear project by signing a protocol with Hungary for the supply and local assembly of dry cooling systems, expanding its industrial partnerships in the region.
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe is asking the European Commission to review its $49bn investment to build Poland’s first nuclear power plant, a step required under the Euratom Treaty before any construction permit can be issued.
The International Atomic Energy Agency mission completed on July 11 warns that the National Nuclear Safety Administration must hire staff to oversee a fleet of 59 reactors in operation and 32 more under construction.
Energoatom signed strategic agreements with Westinghouse and Holtec at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, aiming to establish nuclear fuel production and small modular reactor capabilities in the country.
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.