Norway Explores Nuclear Power Expansion: Farsund Joins SMR Feasibility Studies

Farsund, a coastal municipality in southern Norway’s Agder county, has become the latest to join forces with Norsk Kjernekraft.

This collaboration aims to conduct initial investigations for the potential construction of a nuclear power plant utilizing small modular reactors (SMRs).

Norsk Kjernekraft, focused on building, owning, and operating SMRs in Norway alongside power-intensive industries, announced the cooperation agreement.

This agreement, backed by a broad political majority, seeks to establish an information base for stakeholders. This base will be crucial in assessing the suitability of constructing a nuclear power plant in Farsund.

“Following this process,” explained Norsk Kjernekraft, “the municipality can better determine if they wish to proceed. One option would be establishing a separate company alongside us and local/regional industry, similar to the Halden Kjernekraft AS model.”

Norsk Kjernekraft describes Farsund as a “progressive coastal municipality” with numerous sizeable workplaces within national and international companies. These companies include a significant portion of power-intensive industries and workshop operations. Notably, Farsund also holds the title of the county’s largest agricultural municipality.

Farsund’s Mayor, Ingrid Williamsen, commented, “The future demands substantial amounts of power, making this a crucial step. If Farsund proves to be a suitable location for this type of power generation, it would be a very positive outcome.”

Earlier this week, Norsk Kjernekraft announced a similar agreement with Lund municipality in Rogaland county, anticipating a significant rise in power demand due to area industrialization.

Last month, Norsk Kjernekraft submitted a proposal to the Norwegian Ministry of Energy for an assessment regarding the construction of a power plant using multiple SMRs in Finnmark county. Additionally, in April 2023, the municipality of Vardø in Finnmark proposed Svartnes as a potential site for a nuclear power plant.

In November 2023, Norsk Kjernekraft submitted another proposal to the ministry for assessing the construction of an SMR power plant within the municipalities of Aure and Heim in southwestern Norway.

This year, in April, the company initiated an impact assessment for a plot of land in Øygarden municipality, west of Bergen. This assessment aims to evaluate the possibility of establishing a nuclear power plant with up to five SMRs.

A new company, Halden Kjernekraft AS, has been established by Norsk Kjernekraft, Østfold Energi, and the municipality of Halden. This joint venture aims to investigate the construction of an SMR-based nuclear power plant in Halden, a former site of a research reactor.

Norsk Kjernekraft CEO Jonny Hesthammer expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The increasing number of municipalities taking initiative to investigate nuclear power is impressive. The Ministry of Energy should prepare for numerous reports with proposals for study programs in the near future.”

Hesthammer emphasized, “Municipalities like Farsund have a substantial need for power linked to the green transition. They face the challenge of ensuring job creation and long-term value. Nuclear power can play a central role in achieving these goals. We anticipate a long and productive collaboration with Farsund municipality.”

Last month, the Norwegian government appointed a committee to conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of various aspects related to the potential establishment of nuclear power in the country. The committee’s report is expected by April 1, 2026.

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