Sweden has recognized that it will need more than renewables to remove fossil fuels from its electricity generation. So, after voting to wean itself off of nuclear power 40 years ago, the country’s government has made room for a nuclear comeback. Reuters reports:
“This creates the conditions for nuclear power,” Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson said in parliament. “We need more electricity production, we need clean electricity and we need a stable energy system.”
Sweden’s parties agreed a deal in 2016 that new reactors could be built at existing sites. However, without subsidies, it has been seen as too expensive. The new right-of-centre coalition says new reactors are essential to power the shift to a fossil-free economy and has promised generous loan guarantees.
Around 98% of electricity in Sweden is already generated from water, nuclear and wind.
State-owned utility Vattenfall is looking at building at least two small modular reactors and at extending the life of the country’s existing reactors.
Critics say nuclear power is expensive, will take too long to build and is unsafe.
The focus on nuclear power is part of a wider shift in environmental policy in a country that has long touted itself as a “green” champion.
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