A new study conducted by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland shows that Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden all meet the technical requirements to host a fusion power plant, while Finland is the most prepared in terms of regulatory readiness. Novatron Fusion Group (NFG) is preparing to build a pilot fusion reactor in the Nordic region during the 2030s.
NFG is developing a magnetic mirror fusion reactor concept, targeting to create a commercially viable and cost-effective source of energy. NFG’s roadmap includes four fusion facilities from lab-scale experiment Novatron 1 (N1) to a prototype of a commercial fusion power plant N4. N1 was officially inaugurated at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm in June. The company plans to construct the N2 fusion pilot plant in the Stockholm area. N3 represents an industrial-scale pilot plant demonstrating technical feasibility of fusion energy under operational conditions. NFG is preparing to build N3 in the Nordic region during the 2030s.
The 82-page VTT report findings were presented at the Nordic Fusion Forum in Espoo, Finland. Sari Multala, Finnish Minister of Climate and the Environment noted: “Breakthroughs in fusion technology are no longer just theoretical. Advances in digitalisation and the use of artificial intelligence have certainly helped, but above all, it’s the hard work and determination of researchers and engineers that have brought us this far.”
VTT’s analysis examined regulatory, environmental, operational and societal factors in each country to identify both challenges and opportunities relevant to fusion deployment. NFG CEO Peter Roos, said VTT has done an excellent job “delivering a thorough report that provides us with a clear and actionable roadmap to move from concept to construction”. He added that cross-border collaboration, legislative reforms and the development of fusion strategies “will be key to accelerating a fusion ecosystem in the Nordic region”.
According to Markus Airila, Research Team Leader at VTT, the most promising locations for a fusion reactor are found in existing industrial zones with strong transport connections. “Proximity to ports, heavy-load land transport links and access to research hubs are key features of the most suitable locations,” he said.
Based on the study, the most promising regions for a pilot fusion reactor are: Helsinki metropolitan area in Finland; the area between Stockholm and Nyköping in Sweden; and the Copenhagen-Malmö corridor spanning Denmark and Sweden. The study also identified approximately 10 secondary focus areas that represent all four countries.
When comparing the regulatory environments in each country, the study found that Finnish legislation is the most advanced, followed closely by that of Sweden. Finland is in the process of renewing its Nuclear Energy Act, which will streamline the licensing process and reduce barriers for pilot fusion sites. The changes are expected to become effective in 2027.
Sweden has an established nuclear legislation that explicitly includes fusion reactors. However, the regulation is still subject to comprehensive, fission-focused requirements. Denmark and Norway operate under older nuclear regulations with no specific mentions of fusion energy, resulting in some political and procedural uncertainty.
The next phase of the project will involve detailed, site-specific investigations in cooperation with interested Nordic stakeholders and industrial partners. This stage will refine potential sites based on land ownership, local engagement and technical feasibility. Energy company St1 Nordic Oy announced earlier in 2025 that it has invested €13m ($15m) in NFG to support the energy transition in the Nordics.
“Novatron Fusion Group is driving a breakthrough in clean energy, and we’re proud to support that momentum with a long-term commitment, said Henrikki Talvitie, CEO of St1. “The insights from this report highlight the Nordic region’s opportunities in the global fusion development race. We’re excited to contribute to the advancement of secure, fossil-free energy and to help shape a collaborative fusion ecosystem across the Nordic borders.”
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