Vattenfall Narrows Down Nuclear Reactor Builders to Two Firms.

Vattenfall, a Swedish energy company, has shortlisted two candidates to build small nuclear reactors. The candidates are GE Vernova Inc. and another undisclosed company. The nuclear reactors are part of Vattenfall's plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a more sustainable energy mix. The reactors are expected to be used in Vattenfall's existing nuclear power plants.

Swedish energy company Vattenfall has announced that it has shortlisted two candidates to build small modular reactors (SMRs) as part of its plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a more sustainable energy mix. The shortlisted suppliers are GE Vernova Inc. and Rolls-Royce SMR. The reactors are expected to be integrated into Vattenfall's existing nuclear power plants, particularly at the Värö Peninsula, where the Ringhals nuclear power plant is located [1].

The selection of GE Vernova and Rolls-Royce SMR is based on their proven technology and simplified designs, which have integrated learnings from previous nuclear projects worldwide. Both companies offer modular reactors that are smaller, require less space, and need significantly fewer personnel, leading to more manageable logistics and reduced construction costs [1].

Vattenfall is planning to build either five BWRX-300 reactors from GE Vernova or three Rolls-Royce SMR reactors, which would provide a total output of around 1,500 MW. This output is equivalent to the capacity of the first large-scale reactor in Oskarshamn, a 500 MW SMR [1].

The selection of suppliers marks a significant step forward in the process of constructing new nuclear reactors in Sweden. The Värö Peninsula is considered the best location for bringing new nuclear power into operation quickly due to its capacity in the electricity grid, nuclear competence, and high demand for electricity in the region. However, the site also has limitations in terms of space and infrastructure [1].

Vattenfall's decision to move forward with these suppliers is part of a broader strategy to collaborate with various stakeholders, including the industry consortium Industrikraft, which involves 17 leading Swedish industrial companies. The consortium aims to create the conditions for a planned joint investment in the project company [1].

The process to enable new nuclear power continues, with an application for state risk-sharing to be submitted and a final supplier selected. Vattenfall is already looking at the next step to build additional 1,000 MW reactors where Ringhals 1 and 2 are currently located. Final investment decisions will be made later in the process [1].

Vattenfall will present more information about the background to the decision at a press seminar on Thursday, August 21, at 15:30 CEST, at the press center at Ringhals nuclear power plant. The press seminar will be broadcast live, and an English-language audiocast will follow at 17:00 CEST [1].

References:
[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/vattenfall-moves-forward-with-nuclear-power-suppliers-ge-vernova-and-rolls-royce-smr-and-invites-to-ce7c51d3dc80ff26