Sweden Prepares for Winter 2025 with Well-Stocked Reservoirs and Nuclear Reactor Restarts Amid Power Supply Safeguards
Sweden's energy supply outlook for winter 2025 looks positive with high reservoir levels and key nuclear reactors restarting, though electricity price risks remain amid Nordic market changes.
- • Water reservoirs in Sweden are over 82% full due to recent rainfall.
- • Nuclear reactors Oskarshamn 3 and Forsmark 1 are restarting to boost power supply.
- • Electricity prices rose in southern Sweden in October, influenced by Norway's fixed price policy.
- • Researchers estimate blackouts may occur every five years and are studying insurance costs to mitigate risks.
Key details
As Sweden approaches the winter season of 2025, energy experts report a favorable supply outlook supported by over 82% water reservoir capacity owing to recent rainfall and the forthcoming restart of key nuclear reactors. The Oskarshamn 3 reactor is resuming operation following a six-month maintenance shutdown, improving electricity production. Additionally, Forsmark 1 is expected to come online in early December, further strengthening power availability.
Despite the positive signs, electricity prices in southern Sweden have risen by 10-20 öre/kWh in October, driven partly by Norway's introduction of a fixed household electricity price of 40 öre per kWh. This policy raises concerns that increased consumption may elevate prices across the Nordic grid, impacting Sweden, Finland, and Denmark.
Researchers from Energiforsk, in collaboration with Energibranschen and Svenska kraftnät, highlight the importance of preparing for possible blackouts, estimated to occur roughly every five years. They are evaluating the financial costs of insuring Sweden against such power outages, emphasizing energy risk mitigation strategies amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
Magnus Thorstensson of Energiföretagen expressed optimism about the energy outlook, noting that current water levels are above average. Provided that winter conditions remain typical and no unexpected disruptions occur, the risk of a price shock or supply shortage is low.
This comprehensive approach of reservoir management, nuclear reactor restarts, and strategic insurance cost assessment positions Sweden to meet energy needs this winter while managing risks related to price fluctuations and supply disruptions.