Sweden plans to build new small modular reactors (SMRs) by 2035, but experts and opposition parties doubt the feasibility of this timeline. While the government sees it as a significant step forward, experts highlight the challenges, including the current non-commercial status of SMR technology and legislative hurdles.
Experts Question Sweden's Nuclear Expansion Timeline
Experts Question Sweden's Nuclear Expansion Timeline
New nuclear power is set to be developed in Sweden. The small reactors are expected to be operational by 2035, a timeline the opposition deems "completely unrealistic." Several experts also express skepticism about the schedule.
– I and many others believe it's a bit too optimistic, says Filip Johnsson, professor of energy systems at Chalmers University in Gothenburg.
State-owned Vattenfall plans to build small reactors, known as SMR reactors, as an expansion of the Ringhals nuclear facility. The Tidö parties are celebrating, and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson calls the announcement "a big step."
The expansion corresponds to a capacity of 1,500 megawatts, with the potential for an additional 1,000 megawatts. The goal is for the first reactors to be operational by 2035. The opposition calls this "completely unrealistic."
– It's a technology that doesn't exist commercially and is still under development, says Linus Lakso (MP).
Experts also question the feasibility of the timeline.
Difficult to Meet the Timeline
Filip Johnsson, professor of energy systems at Chalmers University in Gothenburg, does not believe new reactors will be ready by 2035.
– I and many others believe it's a bit too optimistic. I think it might happen sometime in the late 2030s. And it's important to remember that these SMR reactors don't exist yet, so it also depends on how far along the manufacturers are in production.
Teodora Retegan Vollmer, professor of nuclear chemistry at Chalmers, is also doubtful. She believes the technology could be ready, but emphasizes that many factors are involved.
– I hope it can be in place as soon as possible and in the safest way. But it also depends on things like legislation, contracts, and economics. I know that the Radiation Safety Authority is working to adapt legislation so that this type of reactor can be operated in Sweden. That legislation does not currently exist. I would be happy if they are in place between 2035 and 2040, she says.
SMR Does Not Exist Today
This type of modular reactor, which is series-produced – much like a modular house – is not used today, but several countries plan to build them.
Teodora Retegan Vollmer points out that there is a lot of knowledge and experience from working with research reactors and smaller SMR reactors used on submarines, which bodes well for the technology to be implemented relatively quickly.
At the same time, there are risks, as with all forms of nuclear reactors, which can delay the construction process.
– There are always risks, for example, with starting up a reactor. You have to test thoroughly and ensure everything is in place. You need time to learn. If you look at the Olkiluoto3 reactor built in Finland, it took almost a year to reach full operation, she says, adding:
– I don't think Sweden will be the first country to build an SMR. There are many countries ahead of us. I think we will learn a lot from, for example, France and the Czech Republic.