How can Sweden prepare for the new nuclear era?
As Sweden accelerates its transition to a fossil-free future, nuclear power is once again at the centre of the energy debate.
At the AFRY–Setterwalls webinar “The Renaissance of Nuclear Power – Technology, Law, and Societal Value” hosted on November 17, Ulf Karlsson, Senior Advisor at AFRY, shared a compelling vision for how Sweden can prepare for new nuclear power projects. Drawing on decades of industry experience, his insights highlight the interplay between national strategy, local engagement, and the human factor.
Sweden’s current energy challenge
Ulf Karlsson started with a nod to a defining moment in Sweden’s energy history: “Imagine a winter day in February 1972, in the control room at Oskarshamn 1. That was the day Sweden entered the era of commercial nuclear power.”
That milestone shaped Sweden’s energy system for decades. Today, the challenge is different. With electricity demand rising and climate targets tightening, nuclear power is back in focus. But success will demand more than new reactors: Sweden must set clear national planning targets and create predictable regulatory frameworks to unlock investment and development.
This message is echoed in a new government nuclear report as presented by Carl Berglöf, the national nuclear nuclear power coordinate, where AFRY’s self-assessment, conducted using the IAEA’s rigorous framework, maps Sweden’s readiness for new nuclear build. The analysis identifies both strengths and critical gaps, providing a structured foundation for future action.
National ambition meets local reality
While national frameworks set the stage, Ulf stressed that local engagement will determine success. “With new nuclear power, we will create new local sites as some of the municipalities have never hosted nuclear power before,” he said. “Local acceptance is crucial for a successful permitting process and continued establishment.”
Early dialogue and transparency are essential to build trust. “When the public and stakeholders have access to clear, open information early in the process, it creates conditions for trust.”
Competence and supplier networks are the hidden backbone
Ulf shifted focus to the human factor, warning that technology alone will not deliver the future. “Technology is important, regulations are important, financing is important but without people, there will be no nuclear power at all.”
Sweden faces a generational shift as experienced professionals retire, while new reactor concepts and digitalization demand fresh skills. AFRY’s analysis for the government highlights the need for competence development and a resilient supplier ecosystem. The report calls for coordinated national strategies on workforce, supply chains, and knowledge transfer - areas where AFRY’s expertise has been instrumental.
Building nuclear power is not a solo act, it’s an ecosystem. “It’s not about one actor; it’s hundreds of companies delivering everything from components to services and innovations.” Strong supplier networks, long-term contracts, and collaboration between industry, academia, and government will be key to success.
Ulf concluded with a powerful vision: “Future nuclear power will not be built by a single actor but by an entire society that dares to think new, collaborate, and invest in people, technology, and the environment.”
The government’s roadmap aligns with this vision, emphasizing the need for a national strategy, streamlined legal frameworks, and broad stakeholder involvement. AFRY’s contributions are helping to chart the course for Sweden’s nuclear renaissance.
Key takeaways
- National frameworks and local engagement must go hand in hand.
- Competence and supplier networks are as critical as technology.
- Early dialogue and trust-building are essential for success.
- Future nuclear projects require collaboration across industry, government, and society.
