Author: Madison Schroder
Another country is hopping on the new nuclear bandwagon, and honestly, I’m not too surprised. Sweden’s low-carbon grid has been a model for other European countries for decades.
As of 2022, Sweden’s electricity sector is about 90% decarbonized, with the majority of their energy coming from a mix of nuclear and hydro. Wind makes up around 20% of their power, fossil fuels are around 10%, and a teeny tiny bit of solar adds up to around 1%. The global north isn’t really known for abundant sunlight, so the fact that they even have 1% is impressive.
As of just a couple of months ago, Sweden’s government announced that it will be funding a “massive buildout” of new nuclear power stations across the country. The current goal is to build the megawatt equivalent of two large conventional nuclear reactors by 2035, and finish 10 new reactors by 2045. Some of these are likely to be small modular reactors (SMRs), and we look forward to seeing what reactor developer they go with, since SMRs have had some tough publicity lately.
The decision was made due to surging demand for clean power in the industrial and transport sectors. Nuclear has proven itself to be reliable, affordable, and remarkably popular among the country’s citizens, making it an obvious choice.
A recent poll found that nearly 60% of the country supports building new nuclear, and 84% supports nuclear as a major power source for Sweden. These numbers are quite high for an energy source that is still seen as politically polarizing, so clearly the technology is proving itself. This strategy contrasts with nearby Germany, who thought it was a fantastic idea to close their nuclear plants and restart coal all in the name of “decarbonization.” The disparity in carbon emissions tells you everything you need to know.
A Swedish company called Kärnfull is helping further the pro-nuclear movement by offering 100% nuclear power to Swedish customers, and they’re even planning an SMR buildout for the early 2030s. They believe in the power of carbon-free electricity, and evidently swedes do too.
Sweden actually voted to get rid of nuclear power in 1980 and even implemented a nuclear tax, which is part of the reason that the country only has six of the original 12 reactors still in production. Luckily, sentiments have changed drastically.
Nuclear is an irreplaceable factor in the fight against climate change, especially important for a country in the Arctic that is already seeing glacial recession.
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