Sweden Under Fire for Ambitious Plan to Construct 10 New Nuclear Reactors

Environmental Experts Criticize Government's Strategy, Citing Expense and Delay

Environmental experts express strong criticism of Sweden's bold proposal to erect a minimum of 10 additional nuclear reactors within the next two decades. The Swedish government's initiative, aimed at doubling the nation's electricity production to meet climate goals, is receiving backlash due to concerns about excessive costs and untimely implementation.

In a recent announcement, Climate Minister Romina Pourmokhtari underscored the necessity of doubling electricity output over the next 20 years to align with Sweden's climate objectives. However, this ambitious vision involves a dramatic shift from the nation's current nuclear power capacity. Presently, six reactors operating in Forsmark, Oskarshamn, and Ringhals contribute around 30% of Sweden's electricity generation.

Lars J Nilsson, a Lund University professor and member of the European climate advisory board, refutes the government's claims of needing these new reactors, dismissing the endeavor as merely symbolic. Nilsson asserts that Sweden's expansion in electricity production is primarily being driven by wind power, not nuclear energy. He emphasizes that any potential for new nuclear installations would depend on extensive government guarantees, akin to those present at Hinkley Point in the UK.

According to Nilsson, the proposal appears to be more about symbolic gestures than substantial action, intended to showcase a commitment to climate goals. He suggests that this move won't result in any substantial change.

If the reactors are indeed constructed, the financial burden is expected to heavily fall on Swedish taxpayers, warns Nilsson. Despite having been a topic of heated debate in the past, the announcement's reception has been lukewarm at best.

The shift in Sweden's reputation as an environmental frontrunner is evident, with Nilsson noting that momentum and progress now arise from the EU and Brussels. The EU's Fit for 55 plan mandates member states to achieve a 55% emissions reduction by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050.

Sweden's Moderates party, in coalition with Christian Democrats, Liberals, and the far-right Sweden Democrats, had previously agreed to permit more reactors and bolster investments in nuclear power through credit guarantees and pricing adjustments.

This marks the first time the government has outlined a specific number of new reactors, with Pourmokhtari, the Liberal Climate Minister, stressing that nuclear power is crucial to achieving the necessary doubling of electricity production. However, Karin Lexén, secretary general of Naturskyddsföreningen, Sweden's leading environmental organization, accuses the government of diverting attention from the immediate need for electricity production by advocating for more reactors.

Lexén also contends that the plan overlooks advancements in energy storage and other emerging technologies, deeming it outdated to link increased wind power production with nuclear expansion. This criticism underscores a growing divide over Sweden's approach to addressing its energy needs and climate commitments.