Vattenfall Unveils Plans for New Nuclear Reactors with Government Support
Vattenfall announces plans for new nuclear reactors focusing on small modular technology, backed by government support.
Key Points
- • Vattenfall plans to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) at Ringhals.
- • The project may produce a total of 1,500 megawatts and includes options from GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce.
- • Investment decisions are delayed until at least 2029, with environmental permits still pending.
- • Government funding initiatives for nuclear power have raised concerns about taxpayer costs.
Vattenfall has officially announced its plans to develop new nuclear power, focusing on small modular reactors (SMRs), during a press conference held on August 21, 2025. This initiative comes in alignment with the current Swedish government's promise to advance nuclear power since their inauguration in 2022, aiming for groundbreaking by mid-2030s. Jimmie Åkesson, leader of the Sweden Democrats, has publicly supported the initiative, reflecting a broad political backing for nuclear power expansion in Sweden.
The project will see Vattenfall invest in the installation of either five BWRX-300 reactors from American GE Vernova or three Rolls-Royce SMRs, delivering a combined output of around 1,500 megawatts. This production capacity is comparable to that of traditional large reactors, considering that a single 500 megawatt SMR matches the output of the first large-scale reactor in Oskarshamn. Additionally, Vattenfall is exploring plans for an extra 1,000 megawatts at the site of the old Ringhals reactors, although these plans may not come to fruition until approximately 2035.
Despite positive developments, significant obstacles remain. An investment decision regarding the new reactors is not anticipated until at least 2029, which indicates a delay in moving forward with the project. Furthermore, environmental permits have yet to be finalized, which is essential for the project's commencement. Criticism has arisen concerning the government’s funding process for nuclear builders, which may impose significant costs on taxpayers, as it includes substantial state loans and long-term price guarantees for electricity.
During the press conference, key details about the construction assignment and the types of reactors to be utilized are expected to be disclosed, adding clarity to Vattenfall's strategic direction in the wake of Sweden's energy transition.