The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM) said on 24 January that new licence conditions for Sweden’s NPPs will come into force on 4 February.
The conditions mandate the use of armed security guards at nuclear stations and say perimeters should be guarded and controlled 24/7 with the help of guard dogs.
SSM said the new licence conditions improve the physical protection regime for NPPs, noting: “The need for broader conditions has evolved over time due to aspects such as the changed state of international security.”
Stefan Appelgren, acting head of the section for nuclear non-proliferation and security at SSM, said nuclear stations have taken “certain measures” on their own to raise the level of security. He said the new conditions are an additional element designed to raise the level of safety and security. “We have also strengthened national liaison between public authorities in the area of security, including the framework of the Counter-Terrorism Cooperation Council, in order to enhance the strategic collaboration between competent authorities," he added.
The decision on the new licence conditions was issued on 4 February 2016. This decision not only encompasses changed restrictions for the no-fly zones above NPPs as well as a requirement for these plants to be classified as protected installations, but also an adaptation to international standard practice, SSM said.
