STOCKHOLM, Sweden: Sweden is set to begin construction of a new nuclear reactor before the country’s next legislative election in 2026, according to Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. His right-wing coalition, supported by the far-right Sweden Democrats, aims to significantly expand the country’s nuclear energy capacity.
A formal decision on the type of reactor is still pending, but the government plans to increase nuclear power production, aiming to meet the equivalent of two reactors by 2035, followed by further expansion by 2045.
State-owned utility Vattenfall is currently conducting a feasibility study on building small modular reactors (SMRs) at the Ringhals nuclear power station in southwestern Sweden. These advanced reactors are simpler and more affordable to construct than traditional reactors. Vattenfall plans to commission the first SMR in the early 2030s.
Kristersson confirmed that construction will begin before the next general election, emphasizing that nuclear energy is essential for doubling Sweden’s electricity production to support electrification efforts. Sweden’s six existing reactors currently generate about 30% of the country’s electricity.
The government remains committed to nuclear power as a crucial part of its energy strategy for the future.
