POWER Digest (August 2010)

Sonal Patel

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Sweden Reverses Ban, Approves Nuclear Reactor Replacements

Sweden’s parliament on June 18 reversed an earlier decision and passed the center-right coalition government’s landmark proposal, made last year, that allows for the replacement of the country’s nuclear reactors at the end of their life span. The country had voted in 1980 to phase out its 12 reactors by 2010. Two reactors have since been closed.

The Scandinavian country’s 10 current reactors account for about half of its power production. The 174-172 vote in June will allow only 10 new reactors to be built, and only at the three nuclear power plant sites where the country’s current reactors exist. The parliament also ruled that Sweden would not subsidize nuclear power construction initiatives and that reactor owners would be responsible for damage liability. The nuclear plan is part of a climate program that requires 50% of the country’s power to come from renewable power by 2020.

Finland Approves Construction of Two Reactors

Finland’s parliament in late June approved construction of two new reactors proposed separately by utilities Teollisuuden Voima Oyj and Fennovoima Oy. The projects, which will add nearly 3,200 MW to Finland’s power profile, are expected to help eliminate the need for imports of electricity from Russia. Finland’s power consumption per capita is the highest in the region. The nation also passed tax incentives for wood-based fuels and wind power to increase renewable power so that the country can comply with climate goals set by the European Union. The country currently operates four nuclear plants.

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