“In a referendum 30 years ago, voters decided to disassemble nuclear power. This has had an unfortunate effect on the operation of nuclear power.
Swedish nuclear power plants built in the 1970s and ‘80s can keep running a decade or two more. Only when the government altered the law and stopped the stepped dismantling of the 10 current reactors have electricity producers and industry actors been able to even consider construction.
With half of Sweden’s electricity capacity heading to disassembly, the other half — hydropower — is being squeezed by new environmental demands. New regulations generally lead to reduced capacity.
This is another example of a political decision that impacts the energy market. It’s hard to keep electricity prices low when production is being choked from several directions.
Several actors are making big investments in renewable energy — mainly wind and cogeneration — which is obviously a welcome addition, but not enough when the thermometer is at 30 below and the wind has dropped.
The electricity system must be able to cope with a harsh winter and function whatever the weather. Despite the economic slump, we were still close to setting a record in power use the other week, getting by thanks to large electricity imports.
More streamlining of energy systems will help both households and industry. Trust in a robust electricity system capable of meeting future needs for a competitive and safe electricity supply is a must for Sweden.
We need a politically non-partisan, long-term and climate-smart energy policy for industry to develop — and for our wallets. This means all kinds of climate-friendly energy production, even when governments change. I really hope we don’t have to go through a destructive debate on what constitutes repairs and what constitutes upgrading. It’s vital to allow nuclear power a generational upgrade, and it’s up to the market actors to decide when that shift takes place,” says the Swedish Enterprise Director General.
