Vattenfall shortlists GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce in SMR selection process

Swedish energy company Vattenfall has decided to proceed with the US-based GE Vernova and the UK's Rolls-Royce SMR in the process of selecting a final supplier for new nuclear reactors.

According to Vattenfall, these suppliers are best placed to deliver the project within budget and time constraints.

The companies offer proven technologies, with simplified, modular designs that have been tested in projects around the world.

And, both SMRs use fuel for which Vattenfall has established supply chains.

Anna Borg, CEO and President, Vattenfall, commented in a statement: “This is another step on the way 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.”

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To advance the project through investment and potential offtake agreements, Vattenfall has been collaborating with industry consortium Industrikraft, an initiative involving 17 leading Swedish industrial companies.

Tom Erixon, chair of Industrikraft and CEO of Alfa Laval added: “The process of constructing new nuclear reactors has taken a significant step forward, and there is now a clear and viable project on the Värö Peninsula. Industrikraft welcomes this development and will work together with Vattenfall to create the conditions for the planned joint investment in the project company. It is also crucial that there are long-term stable political conditions.”

The 1,500MW SMR project will be located in the Värö Peninsula, where the Ringhals nuclear power plant is located. It will include either five BWRX-300 (GE Vernova) or three Rolls-Royce SMR reactors.

The location was selected because of existing grid infrastructure, high electricity demand and existance competencies and skills in the area.

According to Desirée Comstedt, vice president and head of New Nuclear at Vattenfall, SMRs were selected because of the clear advantages the technology offers.

Said Comstedt: “Building a series of smaller units brings clear cost advantages; they require less space, need significantly fewer personnel, and leads to more manageable logistics. This also increases the ability during the construction phase to find, house and transport staff, reducing the risk of increased costs.”

Also of interest: Is Sweden ready for a nuclear revival?

Ebba Busch, Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden, commented on LinkedIn, stating that the announcement marks the start of Sweden's global nuclear power race.

Said Busch: "Vattenfall's decision to take the next step to build new nuclear power is not just a choice for our country's future – it is a starting point. A starting shot for something bigger, where Sweden takes its place in the global nuclear power race that is now underway."

She also added that projects such as these would contribute to the country's energy security, competitiveness and defence capabilities.

In terms of next steps, an application for state risk-sharing will be submitted and a final supplier selected.

Vattenfall has stated that it is already considering building an additional 1000MW where Ringhals 1 and 2 are currently located.

Final investment decisions will be made later in the process.