Finland, US sign MoU to deepen nuke energy cooperation

Finland and United States on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on nuclear energy and nuclear waste management, said the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in a press release on Thursday.

The MoU was signed by Director General of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment Riku Huttunen and Assistant Secretary for the US Office of Nuclear Energy, Kathryn Huff in Washington DC.

Its purpose is to intensify cooperation between administrations, companies and research institutes in Finland and the US concerning the peaceful use of nuclear power.

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 (Wednesday) 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 said.

The MoU emphasised 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, the press release added.