Just over 40 years ago, the nuclear power issue was hotter than anything else. Through a referendum, it was hoped to get Sweden’s energy policy in order. The Harrisburg accident was fresh in the mind and shock waves came even closer from six years later. Eventually the debate cooled, although the Fukushima accident in 2011 stirred it up again.
When electricity prices are now breaking new records, more and more people see nuclear power as a solution to the future’s screaming electricity needs and to cope with climate change.
TV4 Nyheterna has conducted a survey among the Riksdag parties about their views on nuclear power. The biggest change is the Center Party, which swung from wanting to phase out nuclear power, to now – just like S – saying that it is free for the market to invest in nuclear power, but they do not want to see any government subsidies.
During the summer, there was a record price for electricity. Many phases for winter electricity bills. It is even warned of a lack of power. For the first time, there is a risk of having to turn off the power to households.
It also hits companies hard, which may find it difficult to afford to keep their production going. We have met an entrepreneur in Småland’s Anderstorp whose electricity bill increased by over one million kroner this year and now requires an investment in nuclear power to secure operations.
– Our analysis shows that the most robust system consists of several technologies. But much more variable wind power is needed, and to be careful about how much and when we use electricity, this applies to both industries and households, says Markus Wråke, CEO of Energiforsk, which is owned by the energy industry and state-owned Swedish Power Grid.
In the player: Hear Markus Wråke’s full analysis of the energy situation in Sweden and how it can be solved.