Teaming agreement signed for Estonian SMR project

Estonian Fermi Energia and South Korean Samsung C&T have signed a teaming agreement to prepare for the construction of two BWRX-300 small modular reactors in Estonia. The signing ceremony took place in Seoul this week.

Based on the agreement, Fermi Energia and Samsung C&T will develop the necessary framework for the construction of small reactors with a capacity of up to 600 MWe. The cooperation will focus on key areas of the project, including the establishment of an engineering, procurement and construction partnership (EPC), site construction options assessment, cost estimation and financing strategies.

The agreement stipulates that Samsung C&T, as one of the main cooperation partners, has the opportunity to become the lead EPC contractor for the Estonian small reactor project. The new cooperation agreement is based on a memorandum of understanding signed between the two companies in November 2024.

“The signing of this cooperation agreement provides the prerequisites for the cost-effective and timely construction of small reactors in Estonia,” said Fermi Energia CEO Kalev Kallemets.

According to the agreement, Fermi Energia and Samsung C&T will collaborate in the upcoming Pre-FEED phase to agree on the project terms and prepare the initial budget. The agreement also includes a plan to conduct a full-scale design phase (FEED), which will create the basis for applying for regulatory permits and starting construction.

The cooperation also extends beyond Estonia – both parties see a wider potential for small reactors throughout Northern Europe. Through this partnership, Samsung C&T aims to participate in at least 10-15 BWRX-300 reactor projects across the region, achieving economies of scale and reducing risks associated with project implementation.