Blykalla and Norsk Kjernekraft are launching a joint project company to develop an SMR site — aiming to deliver a clean, reliable, and affordable energy solution to the Arctic island of Svalbard. The initiative is the first step in a broader rollout, with additional sites across Norway already in planning.
As Nordic countries race to electrify industries and cut emissions, the demand for clean, stable power is growing — particularly in regions where infrastructure is limited and energy bottlenecks are emerging. From heavy industry in the North to the petroleum sector nationwide, emissions-free baseload power is becoming essential to remain competitive and meet climate targets. Yet in many remote or off-grid areas, viable solutions have remained out of reach.
One such region is Longyearbyen — the administrative center of the Svalbard archipelago — which was powered by coal until 2023. Since the shutdown of the coal plant, temporary diesel systems have taken over, resulting in higher costs and reduced reliability. The new joint venture between Blykalla and Norsk Kjernekraft aims to deliver a long-term, clean solution by building a compact SMR that connects to the existing electricity and district heating grid, effectively replacing the old coal infrastructure.
“Advanced nuclear power enables decarbonization where other technologies can’t reach,” says Jacob Stedman, CEO of Blykalla. “Together with Norsk Kjernekraft, we are building a platform to deliver clean, compact, and reliable power to areas and industries that haven’t yet been able to enjoy the benefits of scalable baseload power — starting with Svalbard, where the demand for clean energy is pressing.”
The first task of the project company is to conduct site-specific feasibility studies, providing a model for future deployments. The company will then act as a launchpad for a broader rollout across Norway and the Nordic region.
“This collaboration marks a new chapter in the history of Norway as an Arctic nation." says Jonny Hesthammer, CEO of Norsk Kjernekraft. “Reliable and affordable energy is a prerequisite for a continued Norwegian presence at Svalbard, particularly given the current geopolitical situation. Now that the coal power plant in Longyearbyen has been closed, nuclear power is the only long-term option to maintain energy security without utilizing fossil fuels.”
By uniting Sweden’s advanced reactor development with Norway’s industrial base, the partnership lays the foundation for a new generation of Nordic clean energy projects. Blykalla’s SEALER technology is especially suited for regions and applications where traditional grid infrastructure falls short. With this agreement, the parties take a first tangible step toward a stronger, more resilient Nordic energy system.
For more information, please contact
Alexandra Wyler
Communications Manager, Blykalla
+46 768 61 73 73
alexandra.wyler@blykalla.com
Steffen O. Sæle
Chief Technology Officer, Norsk Kjernekraft
+47 41 26 41 17
steffen.oliver.saele@norskkjernekraft.com
About Blykalla
Blykalla is Sweden’s only developer of advanced SMRs, commercializing lead-cooled fast reactors for industrial use. Based on 20+ years of research, their SEALER technology is a compact 55 MWe unit designed to offer a safe, efficient, and scalable power solution. With a strong foundation within Sweden, Blykalla is well positioned to deliver Europe’s first advanced SMR, providing reliable and sustainable baseload energy to power AI and clean industries.
About Norsk Kjernekraft
Norsk Kjernekraft AS (“Norwegian Nuclear Power Inc”) was founded in the summer of 2022 with the aim of developing and operating a fleet of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Norway. Copying and building on experience from the Norwegian oil and gas industry and a positive interest from more than 80 municipalities, Norsk Kjernekraft has strategically selected multiple sites for stepwise development and SMR deployment. Common for all sites is a large existing or projected need for clean energy, to supply e.g. oil and gas related activities, process- and mining industries, data centers, or other activities. For each site, Norsk Kjernekraft form subsidiary SMR site development companies and start the licensing process according to Norwegian law.
