The operator of the shut-down Barseback nuclear power station in Sweden is considering plans for a new nuclear plant that could be built in the same area, reports have said.

Swedish media said Barseback Kraft AB believes “the way may be paved” for a new nuclear power plant 15 km inland from the existing Barseback facility, because Sweden has a new government that has backed the construction of new reactors.

Barseback Kraft chief executive officer Asa Carlson was quoted in reports as saying a new plant could be completed in the province of Scania, southern Sweden, in the 2030s.

“Today we do not have enough energy in Scania and we want to contribute to the solution,” Ms Carlson said, adding that “positive signals are coming from the new government”.