• Norway forms a 12-member committee to evaluate the feasibility and implications of integrating nuclear power into its energy system, led by Kristin Halvorsen from Cicero.
• The committee will assess technological advancements, environmental impacts, regulatory needs, and financial considerations for nuclear power, including small modular reactors.
• Despite limited historical experience with commercial nuclear power, interest is growing, with Norsk Kjernekraft proposing a 1500 MW plant and other municipalities showing interest.

Energy Minister Terje Aasland recently emphasized Norway’s renewed interest in nuclear power, driven by the urgent need for emission-free and stable energy sources to combat the climate crisis and meet the growing demand for power. This renewed interest has led to the formation of a committee to assess the viability of nuclear power in Norway’s energy system. The committee is chaired by Kristin Halvorsen, director of the Centre for International Climate and Environmental Research – Oslo (Cicero), and comprises 12 members with diverse expertise.

The Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with other ministries, has crafted a comprehensive mandate for the committee. This mandate includes evaluating the feasibility of integrating nuclear power into Norway’s power grid, exploring advancements in nuclear technology, including fusion, and considering the financial and broader societal impacts on both authorities and private entities.

A key aspect of the committee’s work is to analyze the environmental effects, waste management, nuclear safety, and non-proliferation issues associated with nuclear power. They will also assess the preparedness and necessary competence for managing nuclear power effectively. Furthermore, the committee will review existing regulations and identify areas needing regulatory improvements to facilitate the potential establishment of commercial and industry-driven nuclear power.

In addition to these tasks, the committee is tasked with providing an updated knowledge base on various nuclear power technologies, assessing their technological maturity, and discussing the timeline for their scale-up and commercial availability. The committee will also analyze investment requirements and the necessary infrastructure, including network connections and site suitability for nuclear power plants.

The committee is supported by a resource group of professionals who will provide specialized input and ensure the involvement of key specialist communities. The committee also has the authority to engage external expertise as needed.

Although Norway operated four research reactors between 1951 and 2019 at Kjeller and Halden, it lacks experience in commercial nuclear power production. Despite this, nuclear power has gained traction in the national energy debate, with several municipalities and county councils expressing interest in exploring nuclear options.

In November 2023, the Ministry of Energy received a proposal for a study program from Norsk Kjernekraft, marking the first step in the licensing process for constructing a nuclear power plant. This proposed plant, located in Taftøy Næringspark in Aure and Heim municipalities, would use small modular reactors (SMRs) with a total output of 1500 MW. Norsk Kjernekraft is also pursuing several similar projects, indicating growing momentum for nuclear power development in Norway.

The formation of this committee represents Norway’s proactive approach to exploring nuclear power as a viable energy solution. By conducting a thorough assessment of nuclear power’s potential and addressing the associated challenges, Norway aims to build a solid knowledge base to guide future decisions on integrating nuclear energy into its power system.