Samsung C&T partners with Fermi Energia to deploy two nuclear reactors in Estonia

Fermi Energia has signed a strategic agreement with Samsung C&T to develop two small modular reactors in Estonia, targeting commercial operation by 2035.

Partagez:

Fermi Energia, an Estonian company focused on nuclear energy development, signed a partnership agreement on 1 April in Seoul with Samsung C&T Corporation Engineering & Construction Group to deploy two BWRX-300 modular reactors. The agreement formalises their collaboration on key phases of the project, including Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC), cost estimation, site constructability assessment, and financing strategies. Samsung C&T is now positioned as a strategic commercial partner and potential main contractor for the project.

Gradual deployment and regulatory coordination

The partnership follows a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2024. The two companies will jointly work during the preliminary Front-End Engineering Design (pre-FEED) phase to define project terms and initial budget estimates. The agreement also outlines the launch of a full Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase, an essential step for securing regulatory approvals and initiating construction. Large-scale business procedures could begin as early as the second half of 2025.

Regional outlook and market ambitions

Samsung C&T plans to extend its involvement to around ten similar projects across Northern Europe, aiming to leverage economies of scale and reduce associated risks. The South Korean group intends to consolidate its global position in the small modular reactor sector.

Regulatory framework and local progress

In Estonia, nuclear development has progressed since 2019, when Fermi Energia launched a feasibility study on integrating Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) into the national energy mix. In February 2023, the company selected the BWRX-300 model designed by GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, with a capacity of 300 MWe, water-cooled using natural circulation, and equipped with passive safety systems.

Operational deployment planned for 2035

Fermi Energia submitted a request in January to Estonia’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications to launch the spatial planning process for a 600 MW nuclear power plant. The municipalities of Viru-Nigula and Lüganuse officially agreed to participate in the process in September 2023 and March 2024, respectively. The company expects to submit a construction permit application in 2029, with construction planned to begin in 2031. The first unit is scheduled to be operational by the second half of 2035.

  • Populaires ​
Envision Energy wins French 120 MW energy storage contract
Maurel & Prom strengthens presence in Angola with strategic offshore acquisition
Q ENERGY inaugurates Europe’s largest floating solar power plant
Israel resumes gas exports to Egypt and Jordan
BP suspends blue hydrogen project at Whiting, Midwest future uncertain
India: NPCIL extends deadline to September 30 for BSR reactor proposals
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
Brno rejects EDF lawsuit over Czech nuclear contract
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.
EDF anticipates immediate reduction in nuclear output amid heatwave
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.
Fortum selects Westinghouse to study an AP1000 reactor in Finland
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.
United States: Unprecedented firing of nuclear regulator sparks intense controversy
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 acquires 170 million shares of Anfield Energy Inc.
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 launches major nuclear project to secure its energy supply
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.
Orano challenges Niger’s decision to nationalize mining company SOMAÏR
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 and Mali Sign Trade Agreements and Target Nuclear Energy
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.
United States releases additional $100 mn to restart Palisades Nuclear Plant
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 secures £4.5 billion from Apollo to finance Hinkley Point C
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.
France: Anne-Isabelle Étienvre Proposed by Élysée to Head the CEA
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.
Greece Considers Modular Reactors to Decarbonize its Maritime Industry
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower raises $650 million with NVIDIA for modular reactors
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French State Agree on €70 Billion Plan for EPR2
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Newcleo and Nextchem launch joint venture focused on modular nuclear reactors
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.
Four European organisations join forces to develop innovative nuclear reactor
A new European consortium launches the design of a small lead-cooled modular reactor, targeting global commercialisation by 2039, with a demonstration scheduled as early as 2035.
Iran Nuclear: An acknowledged capability long kept quiet
Confidential reports from the IAEA and multiple intelligence agencies confirm Iran's uranium enrichment to weapons-grade levels, contradicting Tehran's official statements. EnergyNews.pro retraces the evolution of Iran's nuclear program since 2015, three years before the Trump administration's withdrawal from the nuclear agreement.
Uranium price surges 9% following major fund raise
Uranium spot price hits its highest level of 2025 following a significant fundraising announcement by a specialized Canadian investment fund, prompting vigorous trading and strong reactions in the international market.
Slovakia close to deal with Westinghouse for nuclear reactor construction
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced being close to an intergovernmental agreement with Washington for Westinghouse to build a 1,250-megawatt nuclear reactor at the Jaslovske Bohunice site.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS