On Thursday 19 October, President Alar Karis visited the Nuclear Energy Information Centre at the Kunda Cement Museum. At the meeting, the Chairman of the Board, Kalev Kallemets, presented the plans for the construction of a small modular reactor nuclear power plant and the ongoing activities. Among other things, waste management, the safety of small modular reactors and the importance of nuclear energy for Estonia's energy security were discussed. The President was also interested in when Estonia's first reactor could be ready and what would be done with the waste generated.
The Head of State stated that although his position on the introduction of nuclear energy is still being formed, the state's decision must be informed, thoroughly considered and take into account the various parties. "There are a number of countries in Europe that are firmly opposed to nuclear power but are not shy about buying nuclear power from neighbouring countries. We have to be careful not to be hypocritical ourselves," said President Karis.
The Head of State received a souvenir from the Atomic Room, a book entitled "Nuclear Energy" and a nuclear keychain.
In the first Atomic Information Room in Estonia, you can get a first-hand introduction to the nature and principles of nuclear energy, see a reactor cut-out and other exciting exhibits. Opened in March of this year, it has already attracted more than 400 visitors, with school groups being the most active.
