Sweden said that it had selected so-called small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) for its first nuclear power expansion in half-century
Government said 3 / 5 of next-generation reactors would be built at Ringhals plant in southwestern Sweden, providing around 1,500 megawatts, equivalent of 2 classic reactors
“For 1st time in 50 years, new nuclear power will be built in Sweden”
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson told press conference
Scandinavian country voted in non-binding 1980 referendum to phase out nuclear power & since then has shut down 6 of 12 ageing reactors
But political majority is now in favour of extending nuclear power, along with renewable energy sources, to reduce its use of fossil fuels
Sweden’s state energy utility Vattenfall, which had also been considering classic reactor technology, said either British group Rolls-Royce / American group GE Vernova would be selected as supplier
Chief executive Anna Borg said cost of project “was still matter of negotiation” adding that Vattenfall aimed to have new reactors built by around 2035
In addition, she said company was
“already looking at next step to build additional reactors where Ringhals 1 & 2 are currently located”
Sweden’s 6 active reactors currently generate about 30% of its electricity needs
SMRs are potentially relatively simple to build making them more affordable than large power reactors
Environmental group Greenpeace criticised right-wing government’s plan as vague, citing lack of budget, timeline & construction permits
In statement, it said government was “trying to trick Swedish people into believing that new nuclear power would lead to cheap & green electricity”
“New nuclear power will require some of biggest state subsidies in Sweden’s history, will increase emissions & delay electrification of industry”
it said
“In other words, it will be more expensive, slower & worse for climate than if we were to invest in”