A nuclear reactor in your neighbourhood
13 September 2024
Helsinki's city-owned energy company, Helen, has unveiled plans to build a small modular reactor (SMR) for heat production by 2035, marking the launch of its nuclear energy program in support of Finland's climate goals. Smaller and more efficient than traditional reactors, SMRs are capable of producing both heat and electricity.
Helen is currently assessing potential sites, including the Vuosaari district in eastern Helsinki. The project's first phase is expected to be completed by 2026, with the reactor expected to become operational in the early 2030s.
 | Mikael Kataja SMRs are becoming a key component of Europe's energy strategy, with the European Commission pushing for deployment by the early 2030s. The private Estonian company Fermi Energia is also focusing on SMRs for the next decade, highlighting the growing interest in the Baltic region. In France, despite financial setbacks, the state-owned company EDF remains committed to deploying SMRs by 2030, aligning with the country's goals for energy independence and carbon reduction. The 2011 Fukushima disaster and Germany's decision to close nuclear plants initially slowed support for nuclear energy, but narratives are shifting. As time runs out for a slow transition from fossil fuels, nuclear energy is gaining momentum as a key to energy security and a reliable solution for tackling climate change. Despite past fears, technological advances have been promising much greater safety. |
Welcome to The European Correspondent
Europe lacks true European media: in Germany alone, there are more media devoted exclusively to football than news outlets specialising on Europe. The established players mainly focus on Brussels and European institutions. The European Correspondent aims to change that. We cover the whole of Europe and write for a community of citizens who want to look beyond their own national borders. Without European journalism, there is no European civil society.
〉Read our manifesto
〉The stories we would like to write for you
Become a donor!
The European Correspondent is fully funded by its readers. We can only produce the newsletter with your support - and work towards the bigger project: building true European media. Donate now!
With your help, we can create true European journalism. Thank you!
We are non-profit. Every donated € goes directly into The European Correspondent.