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SMR Licensing Readiness in the Finnish Energy System

The licensing readiness of small modular reactors requires aligning legacy nuclear regulatory frameworks with standardized, modular manufacturing paradigms [2], [5]. In Finland, adapting radiation safety oversight and legislative statutes is critical for integrating compact reactors into municipal district heating and hybrid electricity grids [1], [4]. Systematic regulatory streamlining offers the predictability needed to ensure safety compliance while facilitating the deployment of low-carbon energy infrastructure [4], [6].

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Bachelor's Thesis

Degree:
SMR Licensing Readiness in the Finnish Energy System

Author:

Group

First M. Last

Advisor:

Dr. First Last

City, 2026

Contents

Abstract
Introduction
2. Theoretical and Regulatory Framework for Small Modular Reactors
2.1. Evolution of SMR Technology and Nuclear Safety Paradigms
2.2. International Standardization and National Nuclear Legislation
2.3. Institutional Dynamics and Advocacy Coalitions in Energy Transition
Analysis
3.1. Policy Corpus Selection and Legislative Document Review
3.2. Evaluation Criteria for Regulatory Readiness and Safety Verification
Analysis
4.1. The Finnish Nuclear Energy Act and Safety Oversight Mechanisms
4.2. Licensing Challenges in Factory Fabrication and Serial Construction
4.3. Grid Integration and Municipal District Heating Deployment
5. Practical Pathways for Finnish Licensing Framework Adaptation
5.1. Streamlining Pre-Licensing and Standardized Design Certification
5.2. Institutional Coordination between Safety Authorities and Utilities
6. Discussion
Conclusion
Lähteet

Introduction

The decarbonisation agenda of the Finnish energy system creates an imperative to examine innovative low-carbon generation assets, particularly as the nation strives for climate neutrality [1]. While traditional nuclear facilities provide robust baseload electricity, small modular reactors have emerged as a viable solution for localized power generation and urban district heating [1], [4]. However, the institutionalization and physical deployment of these advanced systems depend heavily on the adaptability of existing safety regulations [4].

Legacy nuclear regulatory frameworks were formulated around bespoke, gigawatt-scale power plants characterized by lengthy on-site construction schedules [2], [5]. In contrast, modular reactors emphasize standardized factory fabrication, transportable components, and passive safety systems that do not align cleanly with traditional oversight protocols [2], [5]. Consequently, structural mismatches between established licensing procedures and novel technological attributes risk delaying deployment timelines [4], [5].

This study examines the readiness of the Finnish nuclear licensing system to accommodate modular reactor technologies within municipal and industrial contexts [1], [4]. Through a comparative policy synthesis of regulatory documents and safety standards, the inquiry maps current legislative bottlenecks under national radiation safety oversight [4], [5]. The objective is to identify targeted regulatory reforms that maintain safety rigor while facilitating timely deployment [1], [2].

The resulting findings provide a grounded basis for updating safety guidelines and harmonizing licensing requirements with international standardization efforts [4], [5]. By clarifying regulatory pathways, this research supports institutional decision-makers, energy utilities, and regulatory bodies in executing safe, efficient energy transitions [1], [6].

4.1. The Finnish Nuclear Energy Act and Safety Oversight Mechanisms

The statutory framework governing nuclear energy in Finland reflects an established regulatory paradigm designed primarily for large-scale, bespoke light water reactors (Nuclear Energy in Finland, 2025). When applying institutional oversight theories to small modular reactor (SMR) deployment, significant misalignments emerge between traditional site-centric licensing practices and the operational realities of factory-fabricated nuclear units (Challenges of SMR Licensing Practices, 2012). The Finnish Nuclear Energy Act historically mandates comprehensive, multi-stage evaluations for individual plant sites, imposing substantial regulatory burdens on modular designs intended for serial production and decentralized deployment (Litmanen et al., 2023). Under current oversight mechanisms, the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) must balance rigorous safety requirements with the need for flexible pre-licensing pathways that assess standardized technological modules prior to site allocation (Challenges of SMR Licensing Practices, 2012; Litmanen et al., 2023). Furthermore, integrating SMR units into municipal heat networks demands adapted emergency planning zones and streamlined environmental impact assessments that correspond directly to reduced source terms and passive safety features (Nuclear Energy in Finland, 2025). Reforming these statutory procedures is therefore essential for institutionalizing SMR technologies, ensuring that Finnish regulatory authorities maintain high radiation safety benchmarks while facilitating predictable commercial licensing for municipal and industrial energy producers.

References

  1. Nuclear Energy in Finland
    Sirja-Leena Penttinen
    DOI-linkki
  2. Research Activities to Support SMR Licensing
    Ben Cipiti
    DOI-linkki
  3. Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Based Hybrid Energy System for Electricity & District Heating
    Bikash Poudel, Ramakrishna Gokaraju
    DOI-linkki
  4. Institutionalizing a promise: The case of small modular reactor regulation in Finland
    Matti Kojo, Markku Lehtonen, Mika Kari et al.
  5. Challenges of SMR Licensing Practices
    Kristina Söderholm
  6. A New Path towards Sustainable Energy Transition: Techno-Economic Feasibility of a Complete Hybrid Small Modular Reactor/Hydrogen (SMR/H2) Energy System
    Nikolaos Chalkiadakis, Emmanuel Stamatakis, Melina Varvayanni et al.

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