#Finland #Espoo #Fusion Energy #Novatron Fusion Group #Nordic region

Optimal Locations for Fusion Reactors in the Nordics

As the global competition for fusion energy escalates, Novatron Fusion Group (NFG), the sole private fusion energy enterprise in the Nordic region, is making significant strides towards establishing a pilot fusion reactor throughout the 2030s. A recent investigation by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has determined that Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden are all technically suitable for deploying the facility. However, Finland stands out as the most well-prepared nation regarding regulatory frameworks.

Fusion energy has long been viewed as a sustainable solution to pressing issues such as reducing reliance on fossil fuels and addressing the increasing energy demand. With recent advancements, the technology is inching closer to realization in the Nordics.

NFG is concentrating on developing a magnetic mirror fusion reactor model, aiming to produce a commercially viable and affordable clean energy source. To inform decision-making effectively, NFG tasked VTT with assessing the potential sites for a pilot fusion reactor across the four Nordic nations.

The findings of this study are being disclosed today at the Nordic Fusion Forum in Espoo, Finland. Keynote speaker Sari Multala, Finland's Minister of Climate and the Environment, emphasized the tangible nature of recent breakthroughs in fusion technology:

"Breakthroughs in fusion technology are no longer just theoretical. Advances in digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence have certainly contributed, but the real driving force has been the relentless efforts of researchers and engineers."

The analysis conducted by VTT explored various factors, including regulatory, environmental, operational, and societal issues to determine both hurdles and opportunities linked to fusion energy deployment.

Peter Roos, CEO of Novatron Fusion Group, lauded VTT’s comprehensive report:

"VTT has provided us with a detailed and actionable blueprint to transition from concept to construction. To accelerate a fusion ecosystem in the Nordic region, we will need cross-border collaboration, legislative changes, and the formulation of fusion strategies."

Identifying Prime Locations

Markus Airila, Research Team Leader at VTT, highlighted that the most advantageous locations for the fusion reactor are within existing industrial zones offering robust transport connectivity:

"Access to ports, extensive land transport routes, and proximity to research facilities are essential attributes of the most suitable locations."

According to the study’s conclusions, the top contenders for establishing the pilot fusion reactor include:

• - The metropolitan area of Helsinki in Finland
• - The corridor between Stockholm and Nyköping in Sweden
• - The Copenhagen-Malmö route bridging Denmark and Sweden

Moreover, the study has pinpointed approximately ten secondary areas across all four countries for potential growth.

Navigating Regulatory Terrain

As fusion energy is categorized as an emerging technology, it must navigate various regulatory challenges. The study's comparative analysis of each country revealed that Finland's legislative framework is the most developed, followed by Sweden’s. Currently, Finland is in the process of updating its Nuclear Energy Act, which is expected to streamline licensing processes and diminish barriers for pilot fusion sites, with these changes anticipated to take effect in 2027.

"If other Nordic countries adopt a similar proactive stance, they can enhance their standing in the global fusion domain," Airila remarked.

Nations with specific fusion strategies and legislation are more enticing to developers, mitigating non-technical risks. Sweden has solid nuclear legislation encompassing fusion reactors; however, it still imposes strict rules derived primarily from fission regulations. Meanwhile, Denmark and Norway incorporate outdated nuclear regulations with minimal reference to fusion energy, leading to some political and procedural ambiguity.

A Future Fueled by Fusion

Airila's research suggests that the Nordic region is on the verge of leading fusion energy development, stating:

"Through robust partnerships between national bodies, industry players, and local communities, we could witness the first fusion initiatives taking shape sooner than anticipated. Fusion technology can not only yield energy but also facilitate research advancements and enhance testing capabilities, representing a major challenge for developers working towards competitive energy production."

The subsequent phase of the project will include more detailed investigations at specific sites in collaboration with interested Nordic stakeholders and industrial partners. This will further refine prospective locations, considering land ownership, local community involvement, and technical viability.

In a significant move earlier this year, energy company St1 announced a 13 million euro investment in NFG to aid the transition towards clean energy across the Nordics. Henrikki Talvitie, CEO of St1, stated:

"Novatron Fusion Group is pioneering a new era in clean energy, and we are delighted to support their momentum. This report underscores the myriad opportunities that the Nordic region holds in the global fusion development landscape. We are eager to contribute towards a secure and fossil-free energy future and foster collaboration across Nordic borders."

Further Information

For additional inquiries, please reach out to:

• - VTT: Pepita Wakkola, Manager, Communications, +358 50 360 7242, [email protected]
• - Novatron Fusion Group: Jeanette Mattsson, Marketing and Communications Director, [email protected], +46760517516
• - St1: Tiia Lemmetti, Communications Director, [email protected], +358 40 048 0370

This significant development marks a pivotal step towards realizing fusion energy’s potential in the Nordics.