Sweden has the industrial capacity to develop a strong nuclear supply chain, but needs a better framework for the qualification of companies, a preliminary study from the country’s Nuclear New-Build Coordination Office* has found.

The study said there were good conditions to broaden the supply base in Sweden, but entry barriers could be lowered and structures clarified.

According to the study there were three main challenges for companies wanting to enter the supply chain – unclear requirements, a lack of structure and support in the qualification process, and high entry costs.

“Challenges in the supply chain are not only about a lack of resources, but to a large extent about how accessible and attractive the market is perceived by potential players,” the study said.

“For a new supplier, the nuclear power market can appear to be difficult to understand and administratively complex for a currently limited market.”