Ocean Energy Resources

GLOBAL NEWS SERVICE FOR THE FOSSIL AND RENEWABLE ENERGY COMMUNITIES

  • HOME
  • ADVERTISE WITH US
  • FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS
    • Digital Newsletter
  • MUST READ ARTICLES
  • CONTACT

Sweden adopts ‘100% fossil-free’ energy target, easing way for nuclear

Thursday, June 22 2023

General – Sweden

Sweden’s parliament on Tuesday, June 20 adopted a new energy target, giving the right-wing government the green light to push forward with plans to build new nuclear plants in a country that voted 40 years ago to phase out atomic power.

“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.” [EPA-EFE/OLIVIER HOSLET]

Changing the target to “100% fossil-free” electricity, from “100% renewable” is key to the government’s plan to meet an expected doubling of electricity demand to around 300 TwH by 2040 and reach net zero emissions by 2045.

“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.

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.

Related posts:

  1. Swedish coast guard finds fourth leak on Nord Stream pipelines
  2. Sweden approves construction of Harmony Link in Baltic Sea
  3. OEG to launch Renewables Division
  4. Freja Offshore applies for 2.5 GW offshore wind permit offshore Sweden

Filed Under: International News, Nuclear power, Renewables, Sweden Tagged With: nuclear plants, renewables, Sweden

All rights reserved - 2025 cookies