Norway should not plan for the introduction of nuclear power “at this stage”, largely because of the prospect of “inadequate profitability” and the extensive governmental apparatus that would need to be built up for commercial reactors to be deployed, an official report has concluded.

The government-appointed Norwegian Nuclear Commission – which consisted of experts in physics, technology, economics, law, ethics and social sciences – said ultimately, it is investors who will assess whether nuclear power should be realised, and they will weigh the profitability of nuclear power against other investments.

In its report, which has been passed to the government, the commission said uncertainty regarding future developments suggests that nuclear power may become an option for Norway “at a later date”.