Norway eyes 200-250 MW floating nuclear reactors to power industry, cut emissions

The floating plants are expected to supply electricity to nearby offshore platforms and feed power into the onshore grid.

Norwegian energy and nuclear project developers have joined their forces to explore an innovative maritime solution that includes building floating nuclear power plants powered by small modular reactors (SMRs).

Bergen-based nuclear project developer Norsk Kjernekraft, and Ocean-Power AS, a Ronglan company aiming to become an offshore electricity provider, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier this week.

The two firms plan to develop concepts for placing small modular reactors on barges, a flat-bottomed vessel that does not have its own means of mechanical propulsion, thus creating new sustainable energy solutions that require minimal land use.

“This is an important step in the right direction to ensure a long-term nuclear power commitment in Norway that involves the best of Norwegian industry,” Jonny Hesthammer, Norsk Kjernekraft CEO, stated.

Small reactors, big potential

The collaboration intends to create offshore and nearshore nuclear platforms capable of delivering reliable, emission-free electricity to locations where demand is highest. This, according to Norsk Kjernekraft, could include anything from remote industrial hubs to offshore installations.

By combining SMRs with flexible barge-based designs, the partners believe they can open the door for a new way of producing clean energy that minimizes land use while capitalizing on Norway’s strong maritime and engineering expertise.

“With reduced activity in the petroleum sector, we need new industrial ventures, and floating nuclear power could be one of them,” Hesthammer explained.

Hesthammer said the partnership with Ocean-Power will explore ways to deliver stable, clean energy to industry and society while at the same time, minimizing land use and maximizing flexibility.

He said that integrating the firm’s technology and infrastructure for sustainable power production with Norsk Kjernekraft’s expertise in nuclear projects, is crucial for developing innovative energy solutions and strengthening Norway’s role in the global clean energy market.

Norway pushes for clean energy

Ocean-Power’s current concept involves developing floating power plants equipped with combined cycle systems using gas and steam turbines. Each 200–250 megawatt (MW) unit would supply electricity to nearby platforms in the offshore version or feed power into the grid for onshore use.

Carbon dioxide from the exhaust gases would be captured and either injected into a nearby geological formation, transported via pipeline, or liquefied and shipped by vessel for utilization or permanent storage.

“We want to mobilize the Nordic supplier industry to build solutions that can become world-leading,” Erling Ronglan, Ocean-Power CEO said. “Nuclear power on barges opens entirely new possibilities for secure, stable, and climate-friendly energy supply – for industry, society, and maritime operations.”

The partnership’s first step will be to assess concepts, technologies, and business models under Norwegian regulations, with a strong emphasis on tapping Nordic offshore and engineering expertise.

If successful, the initiative could pave the way for exportable, barge-mounted nuclear solutions that deliver secure, low-carbon power, both in Norway and beyond. “This can become an important part of Norway’s contribution to achieving climate goals while creating value for future generations,” Ronglan concluded in a press release.