A few months after closing, the so-called flushing has begun: The equipment is cleaned of as much radioactivity as possible.

The most radioactive, the hearth and fuel, is transported to the intermediate storage in Oskarshamn. 

For the heavy equipment, generators and turbines for example, the goal is a sustainable decommissioning, says Björn Linde, CEO of Ringhals and Forsmark. 

- If you can reuse the equipment, it is in our interest, he says. 

Did not get along

There could be a role for the machines as stabilizers in the Swedish electricity grid.

It's about the swing mass.

Large heavy components can rotate in step with the frequency of the mains.

If a disturbance occurs, the oscillating mass can help to dampen the frequency drop.

In renewable energy, solar and wind turbines, there is no corresponding heavy equipment. 

Vattenfall has negotiated a deal with Svenska kraftnät, but no agreement was reached. 

- Based on Svenska kraftnät's needs, we have come to the conclusion that it will be cheaper to buy new, says Erik Ek, strategic operations manager at Svenska kraftnät. 

Have you considered profitable socio-economic long-term as well? 

- We will look at what is best for taxpayers and society based on what we need for stability in the network.

Based on the price information from the nuclear power plant, we found that it is less expensive to buy new, says Erik Ek. 

Amounts are not disclosed

The sums discussed are not disclosed.

It is very difficult for an outsider to state what a nuclear power generator might be worth.

A new one can cost hundreds of millions.

The second-hand market is a new phenomenon, which is linked, among other things, to nuclear power closures in Germany. 

No business in Sweden, as it looks then.

Instead, interest has been shown from the UK and Germany. 

- It's definitely interesting.

If we can not reuse in Sweden, it is better that it happens elsewhere.

The alternative is to scrap fully usable components, says Björn Linde.

The generators on the still open reactors Ringhals 3 and 4 are of course still in operation and are part of the electricity grid.

In June, it will be decided how Vattenfall will proceed with its foreign interests.