Tallinn focusing on benefits of small modular reactors
Estonia, which is planning to deploy small modular reactors as it seeks to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, has developed a comprehensive assessment of its nuclear power infrastructure needs that will enable the government to decide whether to launch a nuclear power programme, an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team said.
The IAEA team concluded an eight-day mission to Estonia to review the country’s infrastructure development for a nuclear power programme.
Estonia is looking at nuclear power as a reliable and low-carbon option to diversify its energy mix by 2035 when the country plans to phase out domestic oil shale.
The IAEA said plans for nuclear energy are focused on the deployment of SMRs, which are the focus of increased global interest due to their ability to meet the need for flexible and affordable power generation for a wider range of users.
Estonia established a nuclear energy working group in 2021 to review the infrastructure needed for the nuclear power programme.
Its comprehensive report – planned to be finalised in December 2023 – will provide recommendations to support the government to make a decision regarding the nuclear energy programme.
In October 2022, a draft report by the working group said Estonia could get its first nuclear power plant by 2035, but politicians still need to sign off on the plans and a final version of the report would not be ready until 2023.
The IAEA team said Estonia has commissioned a comprehensive set of detailed studies as part of its assessment of new nuclear. The country’s strategy to support future human resource development aims to ensure the short-term and long-term success of the nuclear power programme.
Estonia now needs to finalise its comprehensive report to support the decision on a potential nuclear power programme, including with clear timelines for the major activities. It also needs to complete plans and policies related to the development of its legal and regulatory framework.
Earlier this year, private company Fermi Energia chose US-based GE-Hitachi’s BWRX-300 as its preferred nuclear plant for possible deployment in the country.
The company has shortlisted two potential areas for the possible location of a nuclear power plant in northeastern Estonia.
