Sweden’s Forsmark and Ringhals Nuclear Plants Extend Reactor Lifespan to Boost Fossil-Free Electricity Supply

Sweden’s Forsmark and Ringhals Nuclear Plants Extend Reactor Lifespan to Boost Fossil-Free Electricity Supply

(IN BRIEF) The owners of Sweden’s Forsmark and Ringhals nuclear power plants have decided to extend the operational life of their reactors from 60 to 80 years. This initiative aims to increase the production of fossil-free electricity into the 2060s, supporting Sweden’s energy transition and ensuring reliable power for consumers. The extension could provide over 800 TWh of clean electricity, equivalent to six years of current Swedish consumption. The decision follows a preliminary study indicating efficiency in leveraging existing investments, with an estimated SEK 40-50 billion earmarked for upgrades and modernizations by the 2030s.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 18-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The owners of Sweden’s Forsmark and Ringhals nuclear power plants have made a strategic decision to extend the operational lifespan of their reactors from 60 to 80 years. This move is aimed at enhancing the availability of fossil-free electricity well into the 2060s, thereby supporting Sweden’s transition to a low-carbon economy and ensuring a reliable power supply for consumers.

Torbjörn Wahlborg, Senior Executive Vice President Generation in the Nordic region at Vattenfall, emphasized the pivotal role of nuclear power in Sweden’s future energy landscape. He highlighted the importance of investing in existing nuclear infrastructure alongside new developments, citing extensive modernizations that support the feasibility of extending operational lifespans by up to 20 years.

Extending the lifespans of the five reactors across Forsmark and Ringhals is expected to contribute over 800 TWh of fossil-free electricity, equivalent to six years of current Swedish electricity consumption. The decision initiates a detailed investigation phase, including comprehensive cost assessments and risk analyses related to expertise and supplier capabilities. A final investment decision is anticipated following this phase, with most investments scheduled for the 2030s.

Björn Linde, CEO of Forsmark Kraftgrupp AB and Ringhals AB, underscored the efficiency gains of leveraging existing investments to support a low-carbon electricity system. He noted that extending reactor lifespans does not necessitate complex licensing processes and expressed confidence in managing additional nuclear waste within existing disposal systems.

The estimated SEK 40-50 billion investment will primarily focus on upgrading critical systems and components, including turbines, condensers, generators, and control systems. Additional investments will address infrastructure such as switchyards, power lines, and plant buildings.

Facts:

• Forsmark comprises three reactors generating approximately 25 TWh annually. Vattenfall owns 66%, with Mellansvensk Kraftgrupp (25.5%) and Uniper (8.5%) holding minority shares.
• Ringhals operates two reactors producing nearly 17 TWh annually. Vattenfall owns 70.44%, while Uniper (29.56%) holds the remaining stake in Ringhals AB.

This strategic decision underscores a commitment to sustainable energy production and positions Sweden to meet long-term energy demands while minimizing environmental impact.

Media Contact:

+46 8 739 50 10
press@vattenfall.com

SOURCE: Vattenfall AB