Finland and United States sign a MoU to intensify cooperation in nuclear energy
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the United States Department of Energy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on nuclear energy and nuclear waste management. Its purpose is to intensify cooperation between administrations, companies and research institutes in Finland and the US concerning the peaceful use of nuclear power.
The MoU was signed by Director General Riku Huttunen from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and Assistant Secretary for the US Office of Nuclear Energy, Kathryn Huff, in Washington DC on 26 April 2023.
Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä discussed closer Finnish-US cooperation in nuclear energy with Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, former Secretary of State, John Kerry, at the Global Clean Energy Action Forum in Pittsburgh in September.
“The memorandum signed today will provide a good basis for developing the partnership between the two countries in the field of nuclear energy. It is an important tool for strengthening the networks between administrations, companies and research organisations, as well as enabling closer commercial and investment links between our countries,” Huttunen says.
The MoU emphasises closer cooperation in nuclear energy technologies, nuclear waste management and final disposal of radioactive waste, new types of nuclear reactors such as small modular reactors (SMRs), nuclear safety and nuclear fuels.
The nuclear energy sectors in both countries are undergoing a transformation. For example, new technologies to promote the use of SMRs are currently under development. The development of small-scale nuclear reactors in Finland requires international cooperation. Finland is a global leader in nuclear waste management and the final disposal of spent nuclear fuel, in particular, and Finnish expertise helps promote sustainable nuclear energy solutions around the world.
The cooperation could focus on research, development and innovation, projects, development of skills, expertise and workforce, fuel supply and best practices and lessons learned in engaging the public in nuclear technology, clean energy and placement of nuclear installations.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment was responsible for preparing the MoU in cooperation with the Embassy of Finland in Washington DC.
Inquiries:
Riku Huttunen, Director General, Minister of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 431 6518
Juho Korteniemi, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 567 0715
Mia Hurtta, Director of EU and International Affairs, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 50 470 2512