The government's proposal allows for new nuclear power reactors to be built in other locations than the three where there are today, Forsmark, Oskarshamn and Ringhals.
In addition, they want to remove the total ceiling for ten active reactors in the country.
Today, there are six active reactors distributed across the three sites.
- I see it as symbolic politics from the government.
There are already opportunities to build more reactors in these locations that have the best conditions where the infrastructure is already advanced.
But even if new reactors were built there, it would take ten years to get them into operation.
If they want to get new electricity production, there are plans for offshore wind power on their table, says Fredrik Olovsson (S), group leader in the Business Committee.
"Like a scratched record"
Both the Social Democrats and the Green Party point to the existing plans for offshore wind power, which they believe could have increased electricity production significantly faster.
- That should be their biggest priority right now instead of an outdated and expensive type of energy.
The government is like a scratched record that is hooked on nuclear power, says Katrin Wissing.
Lead in the work towards zero emissions
The proposal is now out for consultation.
The government expects the change in the law to enter into force in March 2024. At the press conference, Ulf Kristersson mentioned that just because some decisions are long-term, there is no reason to wait and that everything that can be done to dramatically increase electricity production in the coming years should be done.
- We want legislation that makes it possible to build all types of reactors.
Emissions must be reduced to zero.
Removing the de facto ban on nuclear power reactors in new locations is a very important step in that work, says Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari.