Finnish advanced nuclear reactor company Steady Energy plans to announce an experienced nuclear partner this year to “give it muscles” to develop its district heating reactors globally, according to its chief executive officer.

Steady Energy is developing a pilot plant before intending to roll out its LDR-50 reactor, which is designed to be installed undergrounsd and primarily aimed at providing 50 MW of heat for district heating systems common in Nordic, eastern European countries, as well as in South Korea.

The company has signed several partnerships, including with power company Fortum, and in South Korea with Korea District Heating Corp, but needs an engineering procurement and construction (EPC) partner to help it to really advance development.

“We are now looking for an EPC partner to support the execution part of the projects. We are in the negotiation phase, so we’re looking for a competent partner that gives us the muscles to grow,” said Steady Energy CEO Tommi Nyman.