​​​Små modulära reaktorer i Sverige – ett nuläge​​

Sammanfattning: Sweden has long had the goal of phasing out its nuclear power. However, both public opinion and politics have shifted in response to the climate and energy crisis, which demands fossil-free energy production. At the same time, small modular reactors (SMRs) have begun to be developed, and several players in Sweden have started exploring this technology. SMRs are smaller versions of conventional nuclear reactors but built in a modular fashion. The advantage of modularity is that the reactors can be produced in series, easily maintained, and their smaller size allows for more flexible placement and lower initial investment. Based on the above, this study examines how current nuclear power actors in Sweden view the development of SMRs.  To answer this question, semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives from Fortum, Sydkraft Sverige (Uniper), and Kärnfull Next, all of which are active in nuclear power in Sweden. The study shows that the actors see the biggest advantages of SMRs as their modularity, relatively low investment requirements, and more flexible placement, which enables more efficient utilization. However, they believe that the development of SMRs is heavily constrained by current legislation and licensing processes. These are designed to promote the limitation and decommissioning of conventional nuclear power, and according to the respondents, they make successful SMR development impossible. The consequence is that the regulatory framework is more restrictive towards SMRs and hampers the ability to leverage the advantages of SMRs over conventional nuclear power. Furthermore, the respondents believe that there is a skills shortage in nuclear power that will need to be addressed in order to successfully develop SMRs in Sweden.