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Helsinki's Nuclear Heating Revolution
Helsinki plans to lead the world in nuclear urban heating, using Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with the French company Gorgé's Calogena project as a frontrunner.
French
France
TechnologyClimate ChangeEuropean UnionEnergy SecurityInnovationFinlandGreen EnergyNuclear Power
GorgéAsnFrench Atomic Energy Commission
Raphaël Gorgé
- What is Helsinki's plan regarding its heating system?
- Helsinki, Finland is planning to become the first city globally to utilize nuclear heating, replacing its combustion plants with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This 1.5 billion euro project aims to provide 400 megawatts of heat using approximately 15 SMRs.
- What significant milestone has Gorgé's Calogena project achieved?
- The French nuclear safety authority, the ASN, has approved Gorgé's Calogena project, allowing them to proceed with safety documentation. This milestone significantly advances their goal of building a reactor by 2030, either in France or Finland.
- What recognition has Gorgé's project received from French authorities?
- Gorgé's Calogena SMR project has been praised by the French Atomic Energy Commission for its technological maturity, positioning it at the forefront of French SMR development. This recognition enhances their competitive advantage in the international market.
- Which company is leading the development of SMR technology for Helsinki?
- The French industrial group Gorgé, with its Calogena SMR project, is a leading contender for the Helsinki contract. Their technology uses the same principles as EPR reactors but on a smaller scale, ideal for urban heating networks.
- What is the significance of Helsinki's decision for the future of SMR technology?
- Helsinki's decision to adopt SMR technology for its heating system validates the market potential for small-scale nuclear reactors. This decision may encourage other cities to consider similar projects, driving further development and investment in this area.