Potential sites identified for Helsinki SMR plant

Helen - which currently produces heat, electricity and cooling in power plants and heating plants in different parts of Helsinki - is aiming for carbon-neutral energy production during the 2030s. In September 2024, the company launched the first phase of its nuclear programme, aimed at constructing a small nuclear power plant for producing heat for Helsinki city. Its nuclear energy programme will evaluate small modular reactors (SMRs) based on proven solutions, which can be used to produce just heat or both electricity and heat. During the initial phase of its nuclear programme, Helen said it will negotiate with potential partner shareholders, evaluate plant suppliers and determine potential plant sites. The first phase of the programme is due to be completed in 2026.
 
Helen has now selected three potential power plant sites for further assessment. The sites in question are the Vuosaari and Salmisaari power plant areas and the Norrberget area in western Östersundom. With the exception of Norrberget, the sites are already being used for energy production operations and are managed by Helen.

"Helen's potential sites for the power plant are located close to the district heating network," the company noted. "The potential sites were chosen on the basis of a multifaceted process involving the assessment of environmental, economic and safety considerations, among others."

The next step of the nuclear energy programme is to launch an environmental impact assessment procedure for the potential power plant sites. The City of Helsinki is also preparing to launch related land use planning. Residents will have the opportunity to participate and be heard during both the land use planning process and the environmental impact assessment.

"The actual decisions on the site of the power plant will be made in the coming years on the basis of the environmental impact assessment and other studies," Helen said. "The land use planning of the power plant site will be handled by the City of Helsinki, in addition to which the site will need to be approved by the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority."

"The new Helsinki City Strategy states that we are preparing for the possible placement of a small-scale nuclear production plant in Helsinki," said Helsinki’s Land Use Director Rikhard Manninen. "The land use requirements of the project will be assessed thoroughly and in a way that builds trust."

"Our studies have shown that small-scale nuclear power is the best way to achieve carbon-free, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, non-combustible, stable and reliable energy production," said Helen CEO Olli Sirkka. "The more detailed assessments that are now being launched will determine the suitability of the selected potential sites for the plant, and as part of the process we want to hear the views of Helsinki residents on the project and the site options."

The options selected by Helen for further assessment are plant types that generate heat only and electricity alongside heat, which can be built in the district heating network area with moderate area requirements.

"Electricity production in Helsinki would balance the entire Finnish energy system and the strong fluctuation in electricity prices by generating stable, weather-independent electricity for the southern part of the country, where coal-based electricity production has been phased out in recent years and where the demand for energy is also expected to grow significantly in the coming years," Sirkka added.

In October 2023, Helen became the first energy company to engage in cooperation with Steady Energy by signing a letter of intent aimed at enabling an investment in a small-scale nuclear power plant for the production of district heating. Valid until 2027, the agreement includes promoting the reform of the Finnish Nuclear Energy Act, applying for a siting licence and a technological permit, and fixing the contract price of the plant. It would also enable Helen to procure up to ten reactor units with an output of 50 MW from Steady Energy.

In November 2022, Helen announced a joint study with Finnish utility Fortum - operator of the Loviisa nuclear power plant - to explore possible collaboration in new nuclear power, especially SMRs. The companies formed a study group to explore possible synergy benefits for the two firms.