The Barsebäck nuclear power plant was closed prematurely due to political decisions following the infamous energy agreement. Barsebäck 1 was closed in 1999 and Barsebäck 2 in 2005. Now, hopes are growing to revive the site with new, modern nuclear power.
Interest in new Swedish nuclear power is increasing sharply. The company Nordic Baseload Power has now submitted an application to the government for state support to build two new large-scale reactors at the former nuclear power site in Barsebäck, Skåne, reports Energinyheter.
The project includes two reactors with a combined output of about 2,500 megawatts. If realized, it would be one of the largest additions to Swedish electricity production in decades.
The Ministry of Finance confirms that the application opens the door for a formal review where the state and the company will negotiate the terms of support. At the same time, talks are underway with the EU Commission to ensure that support complies with union regulations.
“Sweden needs more stable electricity production. It is positive that interest in investing in new nuclear power remains high,” says Financial Markets Minister Niklas Wykman.
Barsebäck may once again become a real nuclear power site
For many years, Barsebäck was a central part of Sweden’s electricity supply. The two boiling water reactors were commissioned in 1975 and 1977 with a capacity of around 600 MW each. Despite functioning well, they were closed early through political decisions—not least due to pressure from Denmark, which objected to the facility’s proximity to Copenhagen.
Today, decommissioning of the old plant is underway, but the site has major advantages. Earlier this year, Kävlinge municipality signed a letter of intent with Nordic Nuclear Energy (NNE) to investigate new nuclear power at the location. The municipality already has a zoning plan that allows for additional nuclear power production, which could speed up the permitting process compared to entirely new establishments.
Nordic Nuclear Energy, which is in the same corporate group as Nordic Baseload Power, sees Barsebäck as one of the most attractive options in Sweden. The company points to the significant electricity shortage in electricity area 4 (southern Sweden), where supply has long been a political dividing line.
Swedish Technology in Focus
The company’s main project is the BWR-N reactor concept—a further development of the proven Nordic boiling water reactor technology used at, among others, Forsmark 3 and Oskarshamn 3. The goal is a series-produced, large-scale reactor adapted for Nordic conditions. In the long run, they aim to build a total of four reactors—two in Sweden and two in Finland.
Fourth Application
The application from Nordic Baseload Power is the fourth submitted since the government’s new system for state support for nuclear power took effect in August 2025.
The development shows that the government’s clearer nuclear power policy has sparked significant interest from both established players and new companies.
The government’s goal is at least two large-scale reactors in operation by 2035. Nuclear power equivalent to up to ten new large-scale reactors by 2045.
The application does not mean that construction will start soon. The project must go through lengthy permit processes, support negotiations, and EU review before any investment decision can be made. No timeline for construction or operation has yet been presented.