The Ringhals 1 nuclear power reactor was shut down on New Year's Eve in 2020. No decommissioning has begun and according to the Liberals, the reactor can, technically speaking, be started relatively immediately.
According to current legislation, however, the reactor may not be put into use because it has been reported as permanently shut down to the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority.
- The law is designed in this way because there are parties in the Riksdag that are against nuclear power, even though it is one of the safest and cleanest energy sources, says Nyamko Sabuni, party leader for the Liberals.
Start the reactor
The party is now proposing that the legislation be changed so that it will be possible for Vattenfall to restart the reactor.
- We own Vattenfall to ensure that we have access to clean electricity, at reasonable prices, 24 hours a day, says Nyamko Sabuni.
Will take time
But even if the change in the law were to become a reality, it would take time before Ringhals 1 could once again supply Swedish companies and homes with electricity.
- It would take between one and two years, but it is the most efficient and fastest way to meet the energy shortage that now exists in southern parts of Sweden, she says.
Prosperity is threatened
If the electricity shortage is not remedied quickly, both prosperity and jobs in Sweden are threatened, says Sabuni.
- There are companies that do not dare to invest because they do not know if they will have access to electricity, or if it will be too expensive.
- It is stupid that the government with its ownership responsibility does not ensure that fully functioning nuclear power continues to supply electricity to industry and households, says Nyamko Sabuni.
Bolund: Who will pay for the party?
Minister of the Environment and Climate Per Bolund (MP) says in a comment to SVT Nyheter that it is completely wrong that nuclear power would be reliable and that Ringhals 1 and 2 closed because they were not economically profitable to run it further
"If the Liberals want to start the nuclear power reactors that have already shut down, I wonder who will pay for the party?
Do the Liberals really want tax money to go to pay for a nuclear power plant that has already been judged by the owners to be too expensive and also too worn to run? ”
“I want Sweden to continue to lead and invest in renewable energy, such as solar, wind and water.
We now have more electricity, cleaner electricity and cheaper electricity than ever before in Sweden.
We will continue that development. "
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Mats Knutson answers - Three questions about the nuclear power plant debate Photo: SVT