Sweden\u2019s Videberg Kraft selected Rolls-Royce SMR to supply three small modular reactors (SMRs) for a planned nuclear power station on the V\u00e4r\u00f6 Peninsula near the existing Ringhals nuclear plant. The decision, announced by state-owned energy company Vattenfall, marks a key milestone in what is set to become Sweden\u2019s first new nuclear power project in more than four decades.<\/p>\n
The new plant is expected to add about 1.5 gigawatts of electricity to Sweden\u2019s grid, with the first reactor planned to start running in the mid-2030s. By choosing Rolls-Royce SMR, Sweden becomes the third European country to select this technology, after the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic.<\/p>\n
Three-year review narrows field to final two contenders<\/p>\n
Videberg Kraft, owned by Vattenfall and Industrikraft, made its decision after three years of reviewing 75 possible reactor options. In the end, the decision came down to two technologies: the pressurized water reactor from Rolls-Royce SMR and the BWRX-300 reactor from GE Vernova Hitachi.<\/p>\n
The new plant, called the Videberg Project, will be built next to the Ringhals nuclear power station, one of Sweden\u2019s main electricity sources. When finished, the reactors should help secure Sweden\u2019s energy supply and meet rising demand for electricity.<\/p>\n
Desir\u00e9e Comstedt, acting CEO of Videberg Kraft, pointed out the strong network of companies working with the British reactor developer.<\/p>\n
\u201cRolls-Royce SMR offers a robust network of subcontractors, the majority of which are located in our geographical vicinity. By choosing to move forward with Rolls-Royce SMR, Videberg Kraft and its owner companies also become part of a European program, where we can benefit from shared experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
Familiar reactor technology seen as key advantage<\/p>\n
Company leaders said that the proven track record of the chosen reactor technology was a key reason for their decision.<\/p>\n
Anna Borg, Board member of Videberg Kraft and CEO of Vattenfall, said:<\/p>\n
\u201cOverall, the board\u2019s assessment is that Rolls-Royce SMR is the supplier that can give Videberg Kraft the best prerequisites for delivering a successful project. The reactor<\/a>, a pressurized water reactor (PWR), is the same type used at Ringhals today and is a well-proven technology. Moreover, Rolls-Royce SMR has a commercially attractive contractual set-up.\u201d<\/p>\n Tom Erixon, a board member of Videberg Kraft and Industrikraft, also stressed<\/a> the project\u2019s focus on industrial methods.<\/p>\n \u201cRolls-Royce SMR offers an efficient and industrialized concept that reduces the risk of delays. Videberg Kraft, together with Rolls-Royce SMR, is now paving the way for a new nuclear power on the V\u00e4r\u00f6 peninsula \u2013 something that would not have been possible without a historically unique collaboration between Swedish industry and the energy sector.\u201d<\/p>\n The Swedish decision gives Rolls-Royce SMR even more momentum as it expands in Europe.<\/p>\n