Estonia is charging ahead with its nuclear ambitions, announcing a spatial planning process and environmental impact assessment for the country’s first nuclear power plant. This move, confirmed on May 22, aligns with the government’s January proposal and signals a bold step towards enhancing energy security and meeting climate goals. At the heart of this initiative is Fermi Energia, an Estonian energy company focused on small modular reactors (SMRs). The planned 600-MW nuclear power plant will feature two GE Hitachi BWRX-300 SMRs, a technology that promises efficiency and safety.
Kalev Kallemets, CEO of Fermi Energia, expressed confidence in the planning process, citing extensive community outreach and support from local municipalities. “While planning and environmental impact assessments have historically been contentious issues in Estonia, Fermi Energia’s extensive community outreach and the trust established with local municipalities—whose councils have already voted to support nuclear plant siting—provides reason for confidence that the planning process will proceed successfully,” Kallemets said. This optimism is backed by national polls showing nearly 70% of respondents support introducing nuclear power to the country.
Fermi Energia has been proactive in engaging the public, conducting over 50 meetings across the region since 2019. These meetings have involved residents in 15 towns, and the company has secured formal participation agreements with municipal councils from Viru-Nigula and Lüganuse. The proposal is further bolstered by 71 comprehensive studies carried out in collaboration with 32 international and domestic organizations.
The planning process is meticulously structured into three phases. The initial phase, running until 2027, will focus on site pre-selection in areas near Kunda in Viru-Nigula County and the village of Aa in Lüganuse County. This phase will evaluate strategic access to existing infrastructure and conduct environmental impact assessments to identify the most viable options. Fermi Energia has already secured €2.3 million in funding to finance this initial phase.
The second phase, starting in 2027, will involve detailed site confirmation, including in-depth studies on geology, hydrology, environmental monitoring, and grid connectivity. These studies are crucial to ensure the selected site meets the stringent safety and performance standards required for deploying the BWRX-300 reactor. Construction at the chosen site is planned to begin in 2029.
Fermi Energia’s strategic partnerships are also noteworthy. The company recently signed a teaming agreement with Samsung C&T, a prospective engineering, procurement, and construction contractor for the project. This collaboration underscores the global interest and support for Estonia’s nuclear ambitions.
The announcement is not just a milestone for Estonia but a significant development in the global nuclear energy sector. The success of this project could pave the way for other small nations to consider nuclear power as a viable option for energy security and climate goals. It also highlights the growing acceptance and support for SMRs, which offer a safer and more flexible alternative to traditional nuclear power plants.
However, the journey is not without challenges. Environmental impact assessments and community engagement will be critical in ensuring the project’s success. Fermi Energia’s proactive approach in these areas is commendable, but the real test will be in navigating the complexities of the planning process and addressing any concerns that arise.
The Estonian government’s approval to begin planning for a 600-MW nuclear power plant is a bold move that could reshape the country’s energy landscape. It is a testament to Estonia’s commitment to energy security and climate goals, and a significant step forward in the global nuclear energy sector. The coming years will be crucial in determining the success of this ambitious project, but with the right approach and support, Estonia could set a new benchmark for nuclear energy development.