Oct 6, 2025
Sweden aims to safeguard nuclear investors from political reversals.
The Swedish government has appointed a special investigator to recommend how compensation should be allocated if nuclear power is discontinued due to future political decisions. The aim is to provide predictability for owners, lower risks for investors, and encourage more investments in nuclear power.
The government noted, "Investments in nuclear power are long-term." Nuclear reactors require significant time for installation and are meant to operate for decades, during which further investments may be necessary. However, the shifting political views on nuclear power create uncertainty, deterring investments due to the risk of a potential phase-out.
Anne Vadasz Nilsson has been designated as the special investigator to propose compensation rights if political actions lead to the shutdown of a nuclear reactor. This task stems from an agreement between the ruling coalition and the Sweden Democrats.
Her responsibilities include proposing who qualifies for compensation, defining the political decisions that warrant compensation, analyzing how much should be compensated for investments in canceled new reactors, suggesting a compensation calculation model, outlining financing methods, and providing any necessary legislative proposals.
The interim report is due by June 29, 2026, and the final report by December 1, 2026.
Energy Minister Ebba Busch stated, "Nuclear plant owners should not have to fear political changes affecting new nuclear power." She added that the new compensation rights can improve owner security and foster more investments in Swedish nuclear energy.
Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson emphasized that a strong, fossil-free electricity supply is essential for financial security and job creation in Sweden, and that long-term investment rules are being established to facilitate new nuclear power.
Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari remarked on the significant investments required for nuclear power and the need for financial protection against political uncertainties, thus justifying the compensation system.
Tobias Andersson, spokesperson for business policy for the Sweden Democrats, noted that the government is making it harder to politically shut down existing or future nuclear power.
In October 2022, Sweden's new center-right coalition government adopted a favorable position on nuclear energy. By November 2023, it presented a roadmap for constructing new nuclear capacity equivalent to at least two large-scale reactors by 2035, with a potential for up to 10 new large-scale reactors by 2045. A new state aid act took effect on August 1, allowing companies to apply for financial support.
The government noted, "Investments in nuclear power are long-term." Nuclear reactors require significant time for installation and are meant to operate for decades, during which further investments may be necessary. However, the shifting political views on nuclear power create uncertainty, deterring investments due to the risk of a potential phase-out.
Anne Vadasz Nilsson has been designated as the special investigator to propose compensation rights if political actions lead to the shutdown of a nuclear reactor. This task stems from an agreement between the ruling coalition and the Sweden Democrats.
Her responsibilities include proposing who qualifies for compensation, defining the political decisions that warrant compensation, analyzing how much should be compensated for investments in canceled new reactors, suggesting a compensation calculation model, outlining financing methods, and providing any necessary legislative proposals.
The interim report is due by June 29, 2026, and the final report by December 1, 2026.
Energy Minister Ebba Busch stated, "Nuclear plant owners should not have to fear political changes affecting new nuclear power." She added that the new compensation rights can improve owner security and foster more investments in Swedish nuclear energy.
Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson emphasized that a strong, fossil-free electricity supply is essential for financial security and job creation in Sweden, and that long-term investment rules are being established to facilitate new nuclear power.
Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari remarked on the significant investments required for nuclear power and the need for financial protection against political uncertainties, thus justifying the compensation system.
Tobias Andersson, spokesperson for business policy for the Sweden Democrats, noted that the government is making it harder to politically shut down existing or future nuclear power.
In October 2022, Sweden's new center-right coalition government adopted a favorable position on nuclear energy. By November 2023, it presented a roadmap for constructing new nuclear capacity equivalent to at least two large-scale reactors by 2035, with a potential for up to 10 new large-scale reactors by 2045. A new state aid act took effect on August 1, allowing companies to apply for financial support.