GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce Advance as Top Contenders for Vattenfall's Nuclear Project in Sweden

Vattenfall, a Swedish state-owned electricity company, has selected GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce as finalists for its nuclear reactor project. The two companies specialize in small modular reactors (SMRs) and are best positioned to deliver the project on time and at a reasonable cost. The proposed site on the Värö peninsula is the most suitable location due to its strong connection to the power grid and local nuclear expertise. Vattenfall is considering either five GE Vernova BWRX-300 reactors or three Rolls-Royce SMR units for a total capacity of around 1,500 MW.

Title: Vattenfall Selects GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce for Nuclear Reactor Project

July 02, 2025

Swedish state-owned electricity company Vattenfall has announced the selection of GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce as finalists for its nuclear reactor project. Both companies specialize in small modular reactors (SMRs) and are well-positioned to deliver the project on time and within budget. The proposed site on the Värö peninsula is considered the most suitable location due to its strong connection to the power grid and local nuclear expertise.

Vattenfall, which has not built a new nuclear reactor in over 40 years, is considering either installing five GE Vernova BWRX-300 reactors or three Rolls-Royce SMR units for a total capacity of around 1,500 MW. The choice of SMRs is driven by the unique constraints of the Värö peninsula, where space and infrastructure are limited but demand for electricity is high.

The selection of GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce is based on their simplified reactor designs and experience in global nuclear projects. Both companies use fuels for which Vattenfall already has established supply chains. The Swedish company is optimistic about the potential for this project to pave the way for further nuclear developments in the region.

Vattenfall's CEO and President, Anna Borg, stated, "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. A successful project also lays the foundation for further nuclear developments."

The Värö peninsula, where the Ringhals nuclear power plant is located, is considered the best location to bring new nuclear power into operation in Sweden as quickly as possible. Here, there is capacity in the electricity grid, nuclear competence, and a high demand for electricity in the region. At the same time, the site has limitations in terms of space and infrastructure.

The selected suppliers offer modular reactors, SMRs, with proven technology and simplified designs that have integrated learnings from previous nuclear projects worldwide. Both use fuel for which Vattenfall has already established supply chains.

Vattenfall's move towards SMRs reflects the broader trend in the nuclear energy sector, where modular, scalable, and inherently safe designs are gaining traction as solutions for decentralized energy needs. The company's decision to proceed with GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce marks a significant step in its journey towards reinvigorating nuclear power in Sweden.

References:
[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/ge-vernova-a-frontrunner-alongside-rolls-royce-for-sweden-s-vattenfall-s-nuclear-project-ce7c51d3d181f321
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/nano-nuclear-energy-strategic-position-clean-energy-transition-evaluating-q3-2025-earnings-catalyst-long-term-creation-small-modular-reactor-smr-sector-2508/
[3] https://group.vattenfall.com/press-and-media/pressreleases/2025/vattenfall-moves-forward-with-nuclear-power-suppliers-ge-vernova-and-rolls-royce-smr-and-invites-to-a-qa-session