Kärnfull Next wants first units in operation in mid-2030s
Swedish small modular reactor project development company Kärnfull Next has announced plans for its first nuclear new build site in Nykoping, southeast Sweden – a site it wants to turn into an “SMR campus” by the mid-2030s.
The company said it has signed a memorandum of understanding and attained prospecting rights to explore the potential for commercial nuclear energy production at an industrial site owned by nuclear technology company Studsvik.
A feasibility study began in May, and preliminary results suggest that the Studsvik area has favourable conditions for commercial SMRs, Kärnfull Next said.
The study, which is to be completed in December, evaluates issues including the financial, technological and environmental feasibility of nuclear power production at the site.
If the study continues to show promise and the project gains local acceptance, key decisions regarding financing, permitting and power purchase agreements with off-takers will be made in the second half of 2024.
“With its vast expertise in the nuclear technology sector, Studsvik is the perfect partner for us,” said Christian Sjölander, chief executive officer and founder of Kärnfull Next.
“The Studsvik site seems to be well suited to become Sweden’s first new nuclear power site. Our vision is that one of Europe’s first SMR parks can be taken into operation here already in the early 2030s.
“Having several small reactors creates future-proof jobs and opportunities for co-location with other high-tech industries.”
Kärnfull Next is working with reactor companies and utilities including GE Hitachi, developer of the BWRX-300 SMR, and Finnish state energy company Fortum to develop and package ready-to-build projects.
It offers “versatile energy hubs” that can be sited either on or offshore. For offshore delivery the hub will be delivered as a barge assembled in shipyards.
The company is aiming to bundle SMRs with solid oxide electrolysers to provide electricity and clean hydrogen.
Last year Kärnfull Next said it had signed an agreement to work with GEH on the deployment of its BWRX-300 SMR technology in Scandinavia. It also signed a memorandum of understanding with Fortum to jointly explore opportunities for developing SMRs in Sweden.
