Wedoany.com Report-Jun 25, Norsk Kjernekraft and Austrheim Municipality have established Fensfjorden Kjernekraft AS to develop a nuclear power plant with small modular reactors (SMRs) near Equinor’s Mongstad oil refinery in Norway. The facility could generate up to 1280 MWe, doubling the output of Norway’s largest hydroelectric plant.

The Mongstad oil refinery

The plant aims to eliminate emissions from local industries, enable new developments, and create lasting value with a small land footprint. Norsk Kjernekraft stated: “When the power plant is fully realised, it will be able to cut all emissions in nearby industry, in addition to providing for a number of new establishments and value creation from a generational perspective.”

Following a feasibility study with South Korea’s DL Energy and DL E&C in August 2024, which evaluated U.S. X-Energy technology, the site showed strong potential. Fensfjorden Kjernekraft will now undertake impact assessments with Norwegian authorities and seek permits, targeting initial operations by 2035.

Austrheim Mayor Morten Sognnes said: “Today, we know that modern nuclear energy with SMR technology is both safe and sustainable, and can deliver large amounts of stable and controllable energy that will benefit both businesses and residents for many generations.” CEO Jonny Hesthammer noted: “I would like to commend the municipality for its energy and good cooperation. We have already conducted thorough preliminary studies, and they clearly show that the location in Austrheim has very good conditions for success with nuclear power.”

Norsk Kjernekraft also partnered with France’s Hexana to explore advanced nuclear technologies, including sodium-cooled reactors with heat storage, supplying electricity and heat for industries. The collaboration supports Norway’s decarbonization, energy security, and climate objectives.