Finnish small modular reactor (SMR) developer Steady Energy has solidified its collaboration with Kuopion Energia through a one-year pre-planning agreement.
The objective is to construct a small nuclear power plant that will supply district heat to the city of Kuopio by the early 2030s.
Environmental Impact Assessment to Identify Suitable Locations
As part of this agreement, Kuopion Energia will initiate an environmental impact assessment to determine potential sites for the plant.
Suitable locations will be narrowed down during this assessment, with Steady Energy noting that existing industrial sites within cities are generally well-suited.
Investment Decision and Construction Timeline
“Kuopion Energia will make the final investment decision and will also seek necessary zoning changes in due course,” Steady Energy stated.
“Zoning decisions are under the jurisdiction of the City of Kuopio. The estimated construction period is 3.5 years.”
LDR-50: A Small, Simple, and Affordable Reactor
Steady Energy’s LDR-50 district heating SMR, with a thermal output of 50 MW, has been under development at the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland since 2020.
Designed to operate at around 150°C and under 10 bar (145 psi), the company claims its “operating conditions are less demanding than traditional reactors, simplifying the technical solutions needed to meet stringent nuclear safety standards.”
Additionally, it emphasizes that its reactors are financially accessible for municipal utilities to invest in independently.
Towards Achieving Kuopio’s Climate Goals
Steady Energy believes that the “LDR-50, a small and simple nuclear reactor, would aid Kuopio in achieving its climate goals and provide affordable energy for heating the city.”
The newly signed agreement sets in motion the practical work towards a final investment decision for the plant.
Pilot Plant and Future Expansion Plans
Last month, Steady Energy announced plans to begin construction of its first LDR-50 district heating reactor pilot plant in Finland next year.
Potential locations for the pilot plant include Salmisaari and Huuhanmäki caves in Helsinki and Kuopio, respectively, as well as power plant sites in Lahti.
In December 2023, the company signed a letter of intent with Kuopion Energia, including an option to construct up to five district heating reactors starting in 2030. This agreement followed a similar letter of intent signed with Helsinki’s energy company Helen for up to 10 SMRs for district heating.