Vattenfall has selected GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce SMR as its preferred suppliers. In particular they will assist Vattenfall’s very ambitious greenfield nuclear power project on the Värö Peninsula, in Southern Sweden. Through a lengthy evaluation process, we were able to screen 75 possible vendors. Ultimately, we selected these two firms based on their capacity to provide small modular reactors (SMRs) in a reasonable time and cost.
The initiative would result in at least 1,500MW of robust output. This will be accomplished with three GE Vernova SMRs or five Rolls-Royce SMR reactors. Vattenfall’s rigorous decision-making process centered on a wide range of factors, from technological maturity to site/logistics compatibility to commercial maturity. The firm had drawn its analysis from four competing reactor designs before making this selection.
Strategic Location and Future Capacity Expansion
We chose the Värö Peninsula as the most ideal site for this type of project. Its grid capacity, existing nuclear expertise and as a national energy interest site, it was the logical selection. This smart move gives Vattenfall the unrestricted power to lead the revival of nuclear energy within the borders of Sweden. Coming more than four decades after the last nuclear power construction launch, this action is particularly historic for the country.
There are some intriguing opportunities for capacity expansion that Vattenfall is actively exploring. They are planning on replacing them with an extra 1,000 MW at the neighbouring sites of Ringhals 1 and 2. If realized, this expansion would be a significant step forward in Sweden’s commitment to strengthening their energy infrastructure with the help of nuclear energy.
Minimal Impact During Construction
Vattenfall’s assessment concluded that building the new reactors would hardly impact current operations at Ringhals. This result may imply a seamless incorporation of the new technology into the current systems. In addition, the company pointed to its long experience with the kinds of fuels planned for the chosen reactors. Furthermore, their pre-existing supply chains increase the feasibility of this project.
As Vattenfall moves forward, the focus will remain on ensuring that this project meets its intended objectives in terms of efficiency and sustainability. The company and its supporters are fiercely committed to establishing a positive precedent for future nuclear builds in Sweden. Simultaneously, it is devoted to meeting the nation’s growing energy demands.
“This is another step towards the first Swedish nuclear power construction in over 40 years. Our goal is a successful project on the Värö Peninsula, and by that we mean that there are prerequisites to begin operations within a reasonable timeframe and budget at the site available to us. A successful project also lays the foundation for further nuclear developments. We are already looking at the next step to build additional reactors where Ringhals 1 and 2 are currently located.” – Vattenfall CEO Anna Borg
Looking Ahead
As Vattenfall moves forward, the focus will remain on ensuring that this project meets its intended objectives in terms of efficiency and sustainability. The company aims to set a precedent for future nuclear developments in Sweden while addressing the nation’s growing energy needs.