Sweden dumps renewables target as it seeks more nuclear power

[DKG]

Sweden's parliament has dumped its 100 per cent renewable target amid ongoing concerns about short-term energy security as it looks to join several European nations to build new nuclear plants.

The country's three operational nuclear power plants with six operational reactors generated around 30 per cent of Sweden's electricity production in 2022.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has forced Europe to turn its focus on energy security has it has tried to wean itself away from Russian gas exports. The EU has positioned itself as a leader in climate policy, targeting a 55 per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions on 1990s levels by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.

Swedish Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson said the current circumstances had created conditions for nuclear power, despite a decision 40 years ago to phase out the technology.

"We need more electricity production, we need clean electricity and we need a stable energy system," she said.

Vattenfall, Sweden's state-owned utility, plans to build at least two small modular reactors and extend the lifetime of the country's existing nuclear reactors.

The country has among the largest uranium reserves in Europe but has banned uranium mining since 2018. Today its uranium is imported from Canada, Australia and Kazakhstan. The government will also attempt to overturn a ban and several legislative hurdles over where it can build new plants.

The International Energy Agency has consistently warned a steep decline in nuclear energy capacity would threaten climate goals and power supply security unless advanced economies found a way to extend the lifespan of their reactors

Environmental campaigners, including Greens MPs, have criticised the recent changes to Sweden's energy policy, saying it clashes with the country's previous identity as a climate leader.

The Swedish government has promised generous loan guarantees because it believes new reactors are essential to power the shift towards net-zero emissions.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/sweden-dumps-renewables-target-as-it-seeks-more-nuclear-power-20230629-p5dkae.html

Throughout Europe, there has been a pause on the rush to unreliable wind and solar. Sweden is blessed with an abundance of hydroelectric capabilities. Nuclear can safely and reliably supply the remainder of the nation's electricity needs whereas wind and solar cannot.

[formosan]

Several Canadian premiers discussed moving public money away from wind projects that cannot handle our weather to small modular nuclear reactors.......I haven't read heard or read anything more about it for at least two years.