Third application submitted for Swedish SMR facility.

Swedish nuclear technical services provider Studsvik has applied to the Swedish government to build a small modular reactor power plant at its site in Nyköping, Södermanland County.

The application was presented to Johan Britz, the Minister for Employment and acting Minister for Climate and the Environment, by Studsvik's President and CEO Karl Thedéen and Christian Sjölander, Head of New-Build Projects. It proposes the construction of two to four light water-cooled and moderated nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 600 MWe to 1,400 MWe. If granted the necessary permits, the company aims to begin commercial operation of the first reactors in the 2030s.

"The decision to build new nuclear power in Sweden is crucial, and the country requires new, reliable, fossil-free capacity on an unprecedented scale," Thedéen stated. "Nyköping stands out as a prime location. Studsvik merges an active nuclear site with decades of technical knowledge and one of Sweden's top new-build development teams. Our goal is to transform that into tangible capacity for the Swedish grid."

Studsvik has previously emphasized that its Nyköping site is strategically positioned and hosts diverse expertise in nuclear technology, which includes fuel and materials technology, reactor analysis software, fuel optimization, decommissioning, radiation protection services, and technical solutions for managing, conditioning, and reducing the volume of radioactive waste.

Sjölander mentioned: "This application marks the initiation of a permitting process. Our responsibility now is to conduct the necessary technical, environmental, and community engagement work to build trust among the municipality, authorities, and local residents regarding the project's merit - and to maintain ongoing dialogue at each stage."

The government's review is the first step in a lengthy permitting process that will include the municipality, the Land and Environment Court, and the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority. Future developments would require additional reviews, permits, and approvals under Swedish nuclear, environmental, and planning laws, along with continued local involvement.

Nyköping Municipality indicated that it has not yet formed a stance on the proposed construction of the plant. "The matter will be examined within the formal permit process applicable to nuclear facilities in Sweden," they stated. "According to the legislation, the municipality has a veto right and can either approve or disapprove the establishment. The municipality must agree for the development to proceed. This decision will be made by the municipal council early in the process."

The Nyköping project is part of Studsvik's ReFirm SMR program, which was integrated into the company with the acquisition of Kärnfull Next earlier this year, aiming to enhance carbon-free and dispatchable energy production in southern Sweden. ReFirm is also pursuing initiatives in Valdemarsvik, Motala, and Karlshamn.

In February, the Swedish government proposed measures to facilitate the establishment of new nuclear power in the country. The new legislation introduced an early-stage government approval process intended to enhance predictability and speed up the deployment of new nuclear capacity. In March, Kärnfull Next submitted its application to build a 1,200–1,600 MWe power plant utilizing SMRs in Valdemarsvik, marking the first application under Sweden's new Act on Government Approval of Nuclear Facilities and the first for new nuclear power in Sweden in 50 years.

"Additional applications may follow as the group's project portfolio develops," Studsvik noted.

Earlier this month, Swedish lead-cooled small modular reactor technology developer Blykalla submitted a request to the government to construct a power plant in Norrsundet, Gävle, which will consist of six SEALER reactors.

"Developments for a renewed Swedish nuclear power and effective climate transition are now advancing quickly," said Acting Minister of Climate and Environment Johan Britz. "The receipt of another application for new nuclear power demonstrates that the legislative changes implemented by the government create favorable conditions for companies to invest in new nuclear initiatives."