News & Events

Atte Helminen, a senior scientist and project manager at VTT steps up as the new leader of the SANE project. Previously, Atte was the coordinator of EU Horizon EURATOM project Benchmark Exercise on Safety Engineering Practices (BESEP) and has 25 years of experience in the field. We are thrilled to navigate the path of advancement together!

The Czech Republic, Belgium, and Finland have joined forces with their partners in a groundbreaking partnership to advance nuclear innovation through the EU-backed SANE clean energy project.

The SANE Annual Meeting 2025 took place at the PSI Paul Scherrer Institut in Switzerland during the end of June (24-26.06.2025) and was a huge success. From sharing scientific results through discussions to a BBQ working session - a lot was achieved! We extend a thank you to PSI for organizing the whole meeting and setting the bar very high!

Discover how Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology is transforming climate action. Learn how nuclear energy can power DAC systems, making carbon removal more efficient and helping us build a cleaner, sustainable future.

On the anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, we reflect on the legacy of lessons it left behind—and the new challenges facing nuclear safety in times of war. The story of Chernobyl is not over. It shapes today’s policy, cooperation, and crisis preparedness.

Spain faces increasing water stress, but innovative solutions offer hope. The SANE project explores nuclear-powered desalination as a sustainable path to secure freshwater, with promising Low-temperature District Heating Reactor (LDR) applications.

The SANE project continues to make significant advacemnets, with multiple milestones and deliverables successfully completed in recent weeks. These achievements mark key progress in our mission to enhance nuclear safety through innovative research and collaboration.

Dive into the world of non-electric nuclear applications with engaging videos from SANE webinars, workshops, and events. Watch expert insights on hydrogen, district heating, and more. Subscribe now and join the journey toward a sustainable energy future!

We are delighted to announce the upcoming SANE WP2 Modeling Workshop and Training on APROS Software, taking place from January 20th to 23rd, 2025, at VTT, Espoo, and online. This exclusive event is designed for consortium members, marking a key milestone in our collaborative efforts to advance the project.

Dr. Silja Häkkinen, a reactor physics expert from VTT, has driven innovations in SMRs, advanced fuel cycles, and spent fuel management since 2009. As the leader of the EcoSMR project and contributor to EURAD initiatives, her work bridges national and EU-funded projects. Now, Silja leads the SANE project into an exciting new chapter.

Dr. Ville Tulkki, coordinator of the SANE project, brings over 15 years of experience in nuclear energy research. As SMR Technology Lead at VTT, he drives innovation in small modular reactors and explores new applications of nuclear energy for a sustainable future.

Days two and three of the SANE kick-off highlighted interdisciplinarity and teamwork. Work Packages 2–5 were introduced, alongside a Communication Workshop that generated fresh ideas for spreading awareness about the safe, non-electric uses of nuclear energy.

The SANE project is officially underway, exploring the vast potential of nuclear energy beyond electricity generation. From industrial heating to hydrogen production, this groundbreaking initiative dives into opportunities and challenges, aiming to redefine the role of nuclear energy in a sustainable future.