Sweden Votes To Replace Existing Fleet Of Reactors
Written by NucNet
Friday, 18 June 2010
Sweden’s parliament yesterday overturned a 30-year-old ban on new nuclear reactors, adding to the renewed momentum behind nuclear energy in Europe as countries try to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The Riksdag voted by a narrow 174-172 margin in favour of replacing Sweden’s existing fleet of 10 reactors, which provide nearly half the country’s electricity, when they get too old in the next few decades.
The number of new reactors is not allowed to exceed 10, but there is no limit on the power level for new units.
Swedish utilities have welcomed the vote, saying it is important because it allows them to plan for new reactors to replace the old ones by 2025. Sweden had been committed to phasing out nuclear power since a 1980 referendum in which voters ruled out a new generation of reactors.
But the government decided last year to push for a change in policy after two members of the four-party coalition reversed their anti-nuclear stance.
The oldest reactor in Sweden is Oskarshamn-1 which began commercial operation in 1972.
