Minister Multala: Piloting small modular reactor in Helsinki signals Finland’s leading role in nuclear energy solutions
“Today we are creating a foundation for the future to develop an energy system that can meet the demands of a new era. This plant is a concrete result of purposeful research and planning,” said Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala at the groundbreaking ceremony for Steady Energy Oy’s small nuclear pilot plant in Salmisaari, Helsinki on 12 February 2026.
Steady Energy Oy will construct a small modular reactor (SMR) pilot plant in the turbine hall of Helen Oy’s Salmisaari B coal power plant. The pilot plant will fit in the turbine hall entirely and will not change the appearance of the building. A full-size model of the LDR-50 reactor module will be used as test equipment in the pilot. However, its reactor core does not contain nuclear fuel. Instead, the water in the reactor loop will be heated with electric resistors, which produce about one tenth of the actual output of an LDR-50 reactor.
“This pilot project is part of our strategic efforts to turn Finland into a superpower of clean energy, as outlined in the Government Programme. A predictable supply of affordable energy combined with our leading technological expertise will form the basis of Finland’s competitiveness,” Minister Sari Multala says.
“We are actively promoting SMRs to decarbonise the heating sector. This is a critical challenge in the northern conditions. The project will fill a gap in our energy production by providing a solution that reduces the need for burning while improving security of supply. This technology demonstrates the high level of engineering expertise in Finland,” Multala says.
The SMR concept shows how investments in high-quality research can lay the foundation for commercial profitability. The spin-off company Steady Energy Oy is a good example of how theoretical knowledge can translate into a concrete economic activity and a national success story.
Minister Multala emphasises that the SMR pilot plant is a result of Finland’s consistent energy policy, which recognised already decades ago that nuclear power is an essential part of a sustainable and independent energy portfolio.
“Finland has had the foresight to invest in nuclear power at a time when many other countries have discontinued its use. This decision has led to Finland now having one of the cleanest electricity grids in Europe. Today we are making use of all this competence and skills to solve the challenges in heating. Going forward, Finnish cities will be able to rely on stable and emission-free district heating produced with domestic technology,” she adds.
The deployment of technological innovations requires legislation that can keep up with the pace of development. The Government has acknowledged that the legislation and regulations laid down for conventional power plants do not enable the use of modular technologies. As part of the comprehensive reform of the Nuclear Energy Act, the licensing process will be revised to make it predictable and seamless for those constructing and operating small nuclear reactors.
“The legislative reform does not mean that the requirements will be relaxed; instead, they will be clarified. We must make sure that Finnish safety standards remain world-class and, at the same time, cut red tape that slows the introduction of new technology. The new act will provide the investment certainty to help take new projects from the pilot stage to full commercial use. The Government will submit a proposal for reforming the Nuclear Energy Act to Parliament this spring,” Minister Multala says.
“Finland has long been known as the world’s top developer of nuclear waste management solutions. With this pilot project, we will also take the lead in piloting innovative SMR solutions. We should be very proud of the work that has helped Finland stand out globally, including the SMR technology,” she says.
“The economic potential of the SMR project extends far beyond our borders. Many others are looking for solutions for decarbonise their heating systems. The safe, efficient and functional reference plant that will be built in Finland will show to the world that our technology industry is a reliable partner. We are creating a value chain that covers design, construction and use. In this way, Finland will benefit from new jobs with high value added and a stronger trade balance,” she adds.
Inquiries:
Juuso Kilpinen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Climate and the Environment, tel. +358 50 322 9636
Juho Korteniemi, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 054