Steady Energy and Kuopion Energia have signed a pre-planning agreement to develop Nuclear heating reactors in Kuopio, practical actions to follow
Kuopion Energia takes next steps towards a final investment decision for Steady Energy’s LDR-50 heat-producing small nuclear plant. LDR-50 is a small and simple nuclear reactor which would help Kuopio to achieve its climate goals and provide affordable energy for heating the city. The newly signed agreement initiates practical work towards an investment decision for the plant.
Kuopion Energia and Steady Energy have signed a one-year pre-planning agreement. The ultimate goal is to begin constructing the plant to provide district heating for Kuopio in the early 2030s. As part of the agreement, Kuopion Energia will start an environmental impact assessment for potential plant locations.
The investment decision will be made by Kuopion Energia, which will also seek necessary zoning changes in due course. Zoning decisions are the responsibility of the City of Kuopio. The estimated construction time is 3.5 years.
Suitable locations for the plant will be refined during the environmental impact assessment process. Generally, suitable places in cities include existing industrial sites.
Steady Energy's plant are the size of an upright shipping container and will be built underground into the bedrock. As it is a nuclear power plant, it does not require typical transportation logistics, produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, and has a limited impact on the urban landscape. The LDR-50 plant designed by Steady Energy can be safely located near residential areas.
Heat produced by the plant is competitive compared to alternatives. The LDR-50 unit developed by Steady Energy is based proven and tested light-water technology.
Small nuclear power plant projects are also underway or being prepared elsewhere, such as in Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and France.
For more information:
Tommi Nyman, CEO, Steady Energy Oy
+358 50 36 07823, tommi.nyman@steadyenergy.fi