The proposal was submitted by Grenland Kjernekraft AS – a newly-created wholly-owned subsidiary of Norsk Kjernekraft AS. The proposed plant will comprise several SMRs, with a total capacity of up to 1500 MW and an annual production of 12.5 TWh of electrical power. This corresponds to about 10% of Norway’s total power consumption.
The notification is the first formal step towards establishing a nuclear power plant based on SMRs in Grenland. After the ministry has determined the assessment programme, a thorough impact assessment can begin.
Norsk Kjernekraft said the study will focus on a currently unregulated area of land at Herre i Bamble municipality, just south of the Skien port terminal, but as part of the investigations, other relevant locations will also be considered.
The notification describes the location, the need for power and how nuclear power can contribute to meeting local, regional and national climate goals. It also explains which topics will be included in a future impact assessment, including the environment, safety, society and economy.
“Grenland is currently one of the regions in Norway with the highest power prices, and the industry is concerned about security of supply,” said Norsk Kjernekraft CEO Jonny Hesthammer. “With a nuclear power plant strategically located in Grenland, we can help solve both the price and capacity challenges.”
Norsk Kjernekraft announced the creation of Grenland Kjernekraft AS earlier this week. It said the company’s mandate includes developing a planning initiative for an impact assessment of relevant areas. If the assessments show the project to be feasible within acceptable limits, the company will continue to work towards the necessary licenses and permits.
Norsk Kjernekraft said it has sent an invitation to Skien and Porsgrunn municipalities, in addition to existing dialogue with Bamble municipality, to become future co-owners of Grenland Kjernekraft AS.
Project company created for East Finnmark plant
Norsk Kjernekraft has also announced the establishment, together with Vardø Municipality, of a company – Varanger Kjernekraft AS – to investigate the possibility of constructing a nuclear power plant in East Finnmark.
(Image: Vardø Municipality)
This initiative is the result of more than two years of collaboration between Vardø Municipality and Norsk Kjernekraft. Vardø Municipality initiated the collaboration in April 2023, and in June last year Norsk Kjernekraft submitted a notification with a proposal for a study programme for a nuclear power plant at Smelror in Vardø.
“The start-up of this company is an important step towards strengthening societal security throughout northern Norway,” Hesthammer said. “Secure and predictable energy supply is a prerequisite for Norwegian sovereignty in the region.”
