Wedoany.com Report-Mar 2, Swedish company Blykalla, a developer of lead-cooled small modular reactor technology, and Norwegian firm Norsk Kjernekraft, focused on nuclear projects, have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore deploying Blykalla’s SEALER reactor in Scandinavia. The agreement, formalized in early 2025, outlines cooperation on assessing the feasibility of integrating SEALER into Norsk Kjernekraft’s ongoing power plant projects in Norway, including site evaluations, regulatory processes, and economic viability.

A rendering of the planned SEALER-One

The collaboration also extends to Sweden, where the two companies will work together on licensing, financing, construction, and operation of Blykalla’s initial reactor, SEALER-One. Norsk Kjernekraft will consider involvement in the SEALER-One project company and potential investment in Blykalla. The partnership further includes plans to study the provision of electricity to remote areas, with the companies noting: "This initiative could contribute to long-term advancements in energy security, sovereignty, and sustainability in locations such as Svalbard and northern Scandinavia."

Both firms emphasized the agreement’s role in advancing nuclear energy development across Sweden and Norway. They stated: "The agreement is an important step toward strengthening nuclear energy development and exploring opportunities for cooperation in supply chains, licensing, financing, and research between the two nations." Blykalla CEO Jacob Stedman said: "Collaborating with Norsk Kjernekraft is a natural step forward as we bring lead-cooled SMRs to Scandinavia. By joining forces, we can accelerate the path to deployment in both Sweden and Norway while contributing to stable and clean energy for the region." Norsk Kjernekraft CEO Jonny Hesthammer added: "This partnership aligns with Norsk Kjernekraft’s mission to develop and implement next-generation nuclear power solutions. By assessing the feasibility of SEALER reactors in our projects, we aim to bring innovative and reliable nuclear power to the Scandinavian energy landscape."

Blykalla, established in 2013 as a spin-off from Stockholm’s KTH Royal Institute of Technology, has been refining lead-cooled reactor systems since 1996. Its SEALER-One reactor, set to demonstrate the technology, will also support industrial processes like pyrolysis for decarbonized biochar production, with a target criticality date of 2029. The company has a preliminary agreement with Studsvik to develop SEALER-One at its Nyköping site, where licensing efforts are progressing. Norsk Kjernekraft, meanwhile, focuses on building and operating small modular reactor plants in Norway, partnering with energy-intensive industries. The two companies plan to deepen their collaboration as discussions evolve, aiming to enhance regional energy stability and sustainability.