Uniper Sweden has decided to investigate the possibility of extending the operating time of unit 3 at the 1450 MWe Oskarshamn NPP from 60 to 80 years. It is a very welcome alignment decision,” said Uniper Sweden CEO Johan Svenningsson. “This means that Uniper will have a solid basis for deciding to extend the operating time of Oskarshamn 3 (O3) to 80 years, in the early 2030s. Existing nuclear power is an important component of a stable and reliable energy system.”
In addition to safe and reliable operation, market conditions are also a factor given the importance of nuclear power for the energy system. “Nuclear power is important for Sweden. In addition to supplying large quantities of fossil-free and planned electricity, nuclear power provides stability and an increased ability to transport electricity from all types of power in the transmission system. Nuclear power is also important for Uniper,” Svenningsson noted. “We ensure the operation of Swedish nuclear power by investing continuously in today’s facilities and carefully following the global technological development in the nuclear field.”
Uniper owns shares in the Ringhals, Forsmark, Oskarshamn and Barsebäck NPPs as well as in Swedish Nuclear Fuel Management. Uniper owns 54% and Fortum and 45% of Oskarshamn. Some 15 years ago, extensive work was done to extend operating life and increase the capacity of Oskarshamn 3 – one of the world’s largest boiling water reactors with a planned operating life until 2045.
Researched and written by Judith Perera
