The Swedish parliament approved an energy bill on 11 June that said it should be possible to shut Barsebäck 2 by the end of 2003, but sets no dates for closing the country's 10 remaining reactors.
Instead, it calls for a long-term decommissioning agreement with the nuclear industry similar to that in Germany, and observers say that it is unlikely that Barsebäck 2 will be closed down next year.
The proposition said Barsebäck 2 could be shut by the end of 2003, if there is sufficient replacement power and there will be no negative consequences for industry and consumers.
Aside from Barsebäck 2, the remaining Swedish reactors will probably operate for another 30-40 years, despite the country's official stance favouring early shutdown.
