The need for reliable, low-carbon forms of energy has seen interest in Generation IV nuclear technologies increase. Last month, Finland’s nuclear regulator Stuk became the latest, following the US and the UK and others, to say it wanted to prepare for the licensing and deployment of new reactor types.

“Globally, significant investments are being made on the development of small modular reactors and the parties showing interest are not just traditional nuclear power companies – many new organisations, such as cities, municipalities and the process industry have also expressed interest in using SMRs for producing heat and power,” Stuk said.