Vattenfall plans to invest SEK 10 billion in Swedish nuclear maintenance and uprating over five years

European energy company Vattenfall plans to invest SEK 165 billion by 2030, focusing on maintenance and development of existing power assets, new fossil-free power generation projects, and grid modernization. Sweden is the core market for this investment round, with approximately SEK 10 billion allocated to nuclear maintenance and power uprating.

Vattenfall currently operates five nuclear reactors in Sweden, including two at Ringhals Nuclear Power Plant and three at Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant. These units have been in operation for approximately 40 years. The company stated that routine inspections lasting several weeks are conducted annually on these units to ensure safe and stable operation of the nuclear power plants and to fulfill power generation targets as planned.

In addition to routine maintenance, Vattenfall is also increasing output from certain units by replacing turbines and generators with more efficient models. As planned, Unit 1 at Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant is expected to add approximately 100 MW of generating capacity after its 2026 overhaul.

In terms of new nuclear construction, Vattenfall's project for new modular reactors at the Värö Peninsula near Ringhals Nuclear Power Plant is progressing. However, most of the investment for this project falls under longer-term arrangements and is not included in the current five-year investment plan. Meanwhile, the company intends to extend the operating lifetime of existing reactors at Ringhals and Forsmark from the current planned 60 years to 80 years, with related investments expected to be implemented after 2030.

Vattenfall stated that all investment projects will be evaluated based on profitability and the overall return requirements set by the Swedish government as owner. In addition to nuclear power, this investment round also covers hydropower, grid infrastructure, and other areas to support the long-term stable operation of Sweden's power system.