Vattenfall takes the next step for new nuclear power at Ringhals in Sweden

Vattenfall has taken another step forward in the planning of new nuclear reactors next to the nuclear power plant Ringhals in Sweden. Among six potential suppliers of small modular reactors (SMR), Vattenfall has decided to shortlist British Rolls-Royce SMR and American GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy for ongoing evaluation. In parallel, Vattenfall is continuing to investigate the conditions for building large-scale reactors on the site. 

Desirée Comstedt, Head of new nuclear power at Vattenfall, said: 

“Shortlisting two potential suppliers of small modular reactors is one of several steps in our continued work towards new nuclear power on the Värö Peninsula at Ringhals. It is also a prerequisite for us to be able to continue to move forward at speed with the extensive work involved, which requires us - among other things - to submit applications for new nuclear reactors for examination by the responsible Swedish authorities.” 

The next steps will involve detailed analysis of the proposals made by the two shortlisted SMR suppliers, and then jointly producing a timetable for the option of building small modular reactors to enable new nuclear power generation on the Värö Peninsula. 

In parallel, Vattenfall will continue to investigate the conditions for building large-scale reactors. The suppliers included in the evaluation of large-scale reactors are American Westinghouse, French EDF and South Korean KHNP. 

“We haven't made a choice of reactor technology yet. Regardless of whether we choose small modular reactors or large-scale reactors, a future investment decision will, among other things, require a reasonable risk-sharing model with the state. This is necessary to lower financing costs and thereby enable a reasonable cost for electricity production that customers are prepared to pay,” said Desirée Comstedt. 

The starting point for Vattenfall's continued work, regardless of reactor type, is that it should be possible to have a new reactor in operation in the first half of the 2030s at the earliest.

For further information, please contact: 
Vattenfall Media Relations, +46 8 739 50 10, press@vattenfall.com 

See also

Three proposals for new buildings for small modular reactors. The visualisations are made by Gottlieb Paludan Architects

Vattenfall welcomes report on risk-sharing model for new nuclear

The Swedish government investigator has presented a report on how the state can take part of the risk when building new nuclear power plants. Vattenfall welcomes the report and looks forward...

Read the full article
Desirée Comstedt interviewed in Vattenfall Studio

This is needed for Vattenfall to be able to add new nuclear capacity in Sweden

When can there be new nuclear capacity in Sweden and what more is needed to make it a reality? Watch Desirée Comstedt, responsible for the development of new nuclear power at Vattenfall, int...

Read the full article
Anna Borg, Vattenfall's CEO

Vattenfall takes the next step towards new nuclear power

At the beginning of September, Vattenfall's CEO Anna Borg brings parts of the company's Group Management to Canada to visit developers of nuclear power technology, power companies and author...

Read the full article