Fortum, EDF deepen cooperation on new-build projects

Friday, 13 June 2025

"This agreement builds on two years of close collaboration - including joint technical workshops and site visits - under the Framework Contract signed in December 2023," Vakis Ramany, EDF's Senior Vice President International Nuclear Development, said in a LinkedIn post. "It paves the way for more in-depth cooperation and preparatory work, and for both parties to explore key technical and commercial aspects of deploying EPR technology in Finland and Sweden."

Fortum launched the feasibility study in October 2022 to explore the commercial, technological, and societal prerequisites for new nuclear in the two Nordic countries. The study involved in-depth discussions with several technology vendors, potential partners and customers as well as societal stakeholders.

In December 2022, EDF and Fortum announced the signature of a Framework Cooperation Agreement through which they would study opportunities for cooperation for the development of nuclear reactor projects in Finland and Sweden, both with conventional large reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs).

Fortum announced in March this year that it had selected two large reactor vendors plus one SMR vendor to continue discussions with after concluding its feasibility study. The company said it will continue to deepen the collaboration with two conventional reactor technology providers - EDF (EPR) and Westinghouse-Hyundai (AP1000) - and one SMR developer - GE-Hitachi (BWRX-300).

"At EDF, we are committed to supporting Fortum's nuclear development strategy in Sweden and in Finland, contributing to a secure, sustainable, and low-carbon energy future," Ramany said. "EDF teams are fully mobilised to bring their expertise to the table and move together with Fortum with confidence into the next phase."