Swedish project developer Kärnfull Next is progressing plans to the develop small modular reactors (SMRs) in Blekinge region by signing cooperation agreements with landowners to conduct feasibility studies on two properties in Elleholm and Guö-Köpegårda in Karlshamn Municipality. The decision is based, in part, on an extensive siting study carried out by Blekinge region. Kärnfull Next contributed its expertise and data to the study to identify suitable sites for new nuclear power production.
As part of the feasibility study process, Karlshamn has emerged as a new candidate location within Kärnfull Next’s Re:Firm South SMR programme for southern Sweden. They join previously announced projects in Valdemarsvik, Motala, and Nyköping.
Over the past year, Karlshamn has been recognised as a strategically important site for new nuclear power in Sweden. The municipality has received funding from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) to investigate the possibilities for new nuclear energy production. In addition, Blekinge Region’s analysis identified the area as one of the most promising for establishing SMRs. The national coordinator for new nuclear power, Carl Berglöf, recently stated that Karlshamn could rank among the top 10 potential locations for future reactor projects.
“Karlshamn has several advantages that make it a strong candidate for new nuclear power. The existing energy infrastructure, grid connectivity, and the regional industry’s need for a stable power supply are factors that make Elleholm and Guö-Köpegårda particularly interesting for further analysis,” said John Eliasson, Head of Business Development at Kärnfull Next.
The feasibility studies under Re:Firm South include technical, environmental, societal and economic evaluations of the two properties – both of which have been rated as prime locations in the Blekinge Region’s location analysis. The process is being conducted in dialogue with Karlshamn Municipality and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the project aligns with both local and national energy goals.
“We look forward to deepening our analyses and exploring how SMRs can contribute to a sustainable and stable energy supply in Blekinge,” Eliasson added. “Through our work, we are creating the conditions for Karlshamn to become an important part of Sweden’s future fossil-free energy system.”
In March 2022, Kärnfull Next signed a memorandum of understanding with US-based GE Hitachi regarding the BWRX-300, a 300MWe water-cooled SMR with passive safety systems. The design and licensing is based on larger boiling water reactors, a technology familiar to Sweden.
