The Forsmark and Ringhals nuclear power plants are aiming for an 80-year lifetime for the existing reactors.
The owners of the Forsmark and Ringhals nuclear power plants in Sweden have taken a targeted decision to extend the lifetime of their reactors from 60 to 80 years. This would allow fossil-free electricity generation until the 2060s.
Vattenfall Forsmark nuclear power plant. Photo: Elin Bergqvist
"Nuclear power will play an important role in Sweden's fossil-free electricity generation for decades to come, and it is therefore very important to invest not only in new nuclear power but also in our existing reactors. After the extensive modernisation work that has been done in the past, we see good potential to extend the lifetime up to 20 years," says Torbjörn Wahlborg, Vattenfall's Senior Vice President of Generation in the Nordic region.
Extending the lifetime of the five reactors at Forsmark and Ringhals by 20 years could produce a total of more than 800 TWh of fossil-free electricity, which is roughly equivalent to Sweden's current electricity consumption for six years.
Following the Guidelines Decision, an in-depth study phase will be carried out, including more detailed cost calculations and an analysis of risks, including expertise and supplier risks. A final investment decision can then be taken. Most of the necessary investments are expected to be made in the 2030s.
"The preliminary study carried out shows that it is efficient to use the investments already made to contribute to a low-carbon electricity system. Extending the lifetime of existing reactors does not require complex licensing processes, and we also believe that excess nuclear waste can be taken into the nuclear waste system of existing reactors," says Björn Linde, CEO of Forsmark Kraftgrupp AB and Ringhals AB.
In order to extend the operating lifetime, an estimated investment of SEK 40-50 billion will be made to replace or refurbish systems and components. Technical needs include the maintenance, replacement or renewal of components such as turbines, condensers and generators, as well as the modernisation of control and monitoring systems. Investments are also needed in substations and transmission lines, plant buildings and other infrastructure.
Forsmark has three reactors with an annual production capacity of about 25 TWh of electricity. Vattenfall owns 66% of Forsmarks Kraftgrupp. Mellansvensk Kraftgrupp owns 25.5%, Fortum is the largest shareholder and Uniper (Sydkraft Nuclear Power) owns 8.5%.
Ringhals has two reactors with an annual production capacity of almost 17 TWh. Vattenfall owns 70,44 % of Ringhals AB and Uniper (Sydkraft Nuclear Power) 29,56 %.
