‘We need a broad portfolio of energy technologies’
Danish nuclear company Seaborg has signed a letter of intent with Bergen, Norway-based energy company Norsk Kjernekraft to investigate the possibility of establishing Seaborg's Generation IV compact molten salt reactor (CMSR) technology in Norway.
Seaborg said it has made significant progress in the development and commercialisation of its technology, including agreements on the construction of power plants and fuel development in Asia.
Seaborg said Norsk Kjernekraft, which aims to build, own and operate small modular nuclear power plants in Norway, will participate in this development, with the goal of introducing the technology in Norway.
Initially, Norsk Kjernekraft will establish small modular reactors based on conventional technology, “in order to relieve the increasingly demanding energy situation as quickly as possible”, Seaborg said.
In the longer term, Norsk Kjernekraft is looking to Seaborg’s advanced technology, particularly with respect to industries that are difficult to decarbonise.
Norsk Kjernekraft chief executive officer and chairman Jonny Hesthammer said Norway needs a broad portfolio of energy technologies. “The technology of our Danish partners will play a significant role here, and there are numerous indications that Seaborg’s technology will come sooner than many had imagined,” he said.
In a CMSR reactor, the fuel is mixed with molten fluoride salt, which also acts as a coolant. According to Seaborg, this provides significant safety benefits.
The company intends to mount its innovative reactor on what it describes as “power barges”.
Seaborg said it is aiming to produce a commercial prototype by 2028 and serial production in the 2030s.
The first power barges will have two reactors installed delivering 200 MW. The modular design allows for up to 800 MW over a 24-year lifetime, the company has said.
