The Institute of Energy Technology (IFE) was established in 1948 with the purpose of conducting research on nuclear energy and developing Norway’s expertise in the field. Norway was the sixth country in the world to build a nuclear reactor. The institute built and operated four research reactors in the period 1951–2019: JEEP I at Kjeller (1951–1967), the NORA critical assembly at Kjeller (1961–1968), the Halden materials testing reactor (1959–2018), and JEEP II at Kjeller (1966–2019). The reactors at Kjeller have been central to research in areas such as neutron-based measurement methods, materials technology and isotopes for use in radioactive medicines.
Cleanup work at Halden and Kjeller is now under way. The cleanup will take several decades, and the costs are currently estimated at between NOK33 billion and NOK57 billion (USD3.6-6.2 billion), depending on the solutions chosen.
To ensure clear responsibilities and state control, the government has planned to transfer responsibilities, tasks and facilities from the Institute of Energy Technology to Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning (NND) as quickly as possible. Established as an agency under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries in February 2018, NND is responsible for decommissioning the research reactors and other related nuclear infrastructure, as well as the safe handling, storage and disposal of radioactive waste.
Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning submitted an application in December 2022 for a licence to own and operate the facilities in Halden and Kjeller, as well as the operation of the waste landfill for low- and intermediate-level radioactive material in Himdalen. The nuclear facilities in Halden were transferred from the Institute of Energy Technology to Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning on 1 April last year.
The Directorate for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (DSA) has now recommended that the Institute of Energy Technology’s licence for the nuclear facilities at Kjeller be transferred in its entirety to NND. The government supports this assessment, and has requested DSA starts work on preparing the transfer and submit its recommendation on the transfer of the licence for the Kjeller during the autumn. At the same time, NND will begin preparations for the takeover. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries will also initiate negotiations with the Institute of Energy Technology on the framework for the transfer.
“The experience from the transfer in Halden shows that Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning is well suited to take over responsibility at Kjeller as well,” said Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth. “Now we will carry out the cleanup work in a good and safe manner.”
NND Director Pål Mikkelsen said: “This is an important milestone in gathering responsibility and expertise in one state actor for a safe and predictable cleanup. Our first priority is safety at the facilities, closely followed by progress in the cleanup work.”
“For several years, IFE has worked systematically to facilitate a safe and controlled transfer of the nuclear facilities, and is committed to ensuring that this is carried out as soon as possible, in line with the Storting’s [parliament’s] decision,” said Institute of Energy Technology CEO Nils Morten Huseby. “We will continue this work in close dialogue with the authorities, with particular emphasis on safety, continuity and safeguarding employees. At the same time as NND takes over the concession for the nuclear facilities, they will also take over more than 100 IFE employees who work at and for the facilities. We will ensure that they have a smooth transition to NND.”
