Finland is ready to become a leader in new nuclear innovation for deep decarbonisation and is a “robust case” for considering the deployment of small modular reactors for both the production of electricity and heat, the International Energy Agency says in a new report.

The IEA’s Finland 2023 Energy Policy Review says Finland’s electricity generation is already more than 90% decarbonised and the government should “seize the opportunity” to further consolidate the country’s position as a global leader in nuclear technology innovation development, first by ensuring that the Olkiluoto-3 nuclear plant and the Onkalo deep geological repository operate as scheduled and “communicating publicly on these successes”.

Finland should create the conditions for “a Finnish ecosystem of excellence in nuclear innovation”, the report says.

It adds that because of its sparsely populated areas, small and remote communities, harsh winters and heavy reliance on heating – combined with a long-standing and robust technical culture of safety, societal acceptance of nuclear technology, and regulatory excellence – Finland is a robust case for considering SMR demonstration projects.

But the report urges the government to complete the update of nuclear legislation, warning that delays could create uncertainty.