The operating life of the total of five reactors at the Forsmark and Ringhals nuclear power plants may be extended from 60 to 80 years, according to a directive from the owners. This would enable production to continue into the 2060s.
"Nuclear power will play an important role in Swedish electricity production for many decades to come, and it is therefore crucial to invest not only in new nuclear power but also in our existing reactors," says business area manager Torbjörn Wahlborg in a press release from Vattenfall.
"Following the extensive modernisations that have already been carried out, we see good opportunities to extend the operating life by up to 20 years."
A "detailed investigation phase" is now pending, including cost estimates and risk analysis.
Investments of approximately 40 to 50 billion kronor will be required for the replacement and renovation of systems and components at the facilities.
An additional 20 years of operating life would provide a supplement of over 800 terawatt-hours of electricity, equivalent to six years of current Swedish electricity consumption.
