Less than a week ago, Acting Minister of Climate and Environment Johan Britz (L) received an application from the nuclear technology company Blykalla. This time it concerns the listed company Studsvik, and it is the company's second application submitted.
"This means that we will soon have four ongoing processes for new nuclear power, and that of course says a lot about where Sweden is. We are receiving several applications from different companies and in new locations, and that is of course gratifying," says Johan Britz (L).
Studsvik's first application was made in March through Kärnfull Next and concerns 4–6 so-called SMR reactors southeast of Valdemarsvik.
"Now it's extra exciting because it's about our own operations outside Nyköping taking the next step. We're going from just supporting the existing nuclear power plants to also planning the next generation of nuclear power here in Sweden," says CEO Karl Thedéen about the establishment in the Studsvik area in Nyköping municipality.
Strict safety requirements
Studsvik, which was founded in 1947 as Aktiebolaget Atomenergi, has a clear advantage, according to Karl Thedéen, in that the expertise, infrastructure and power grid already exist. In addition, according to Karl Thedéen, it meets the strict safety requirements.
The new application corresponds to two to four 300-megawatt reactors, according to the company.
"A typical nuclear power plant today is between 1,000 and 1,200 megawatts. If we build the maximum number, it will be comparable to a larger Swedish nuclear power plant today," says Karl Thedéen about the potential capacity.
The next step is to apply for government support, which will take place next year. The hope is to be able to start construction in 2029-2030 with the goal of having the first so-called modular reactor (SMR) ready in 2035-2036.
Negative attitudes
Do you have concerns that residents in the area are negatively disposed to having nuclear reactors in their vicinity?
"It is a democratic process that we must take seriously. We feel quite secure that we are working with a municipality that has had a nuclear facility for over 80 years. We handle very dangerous material today and have very strict requirements from the Radiation Safety Authority," says Thedéen and continues:
"We have an infrastructure similar to that around an existing nuclear power plant, so I would consider Nyköping a municipality with nuclear facilities. We believe there is acceptance."
Correction: An earlier version stated that Studsvik is in the process of acquiring Kärnfull Next. That deal was recently completed.
Facts: Government-backed loans
Last year, a government financing mechanism totaling SEK 220 billion was launched to support the construction of new nuclear power plants over twelve years. In addition, price guarantees are offered, estimated to cost SEK 1–3 billion per year from 2035.
The 220 billion is approximately half of the state-supported loans the government wants to offer to reach its goal of investments in new nuclear power reactors of up to 5,000 megawatts.
Three applications have already been received:
Blykalla recently applied to build six SMR reactors in Norrsundet, Gävle, with a total output of 330 megawatts.
In March this year, a company in the Kärnfull Next group – Refirm Målma AB – submitted an application to build 4-6 SMR reactors outside Valdemarsvik with a total output of 1,200-1,600 megawatts.
The state-owned Vattenfall has also previously initiated a feasibility study and applied for government support to build 2-3 SMR reactors with an output of approximately 1,500 megawatts next to existing facilities at the Ringhals nuclear power plant.
