What triggered Sweden’s shift from a nuclear phase-out to building new reactors?

Sweden's policy turnaround was driven by 2040, a combination of factors: the push for a fossil-free power system by 2040, extreme weather exposing the need for firm power, power transfer constraints between the north and south, volatile electricity prices and rising energy security concerns.

How will nuclear new builds help Sweden solve grid bottlenecks and price volatility?

Nuclear supports Sweden's grid stability by unlocking more capacity on existing lines. It also enables new consumption more reliable than from intermittent renewables without constant grid expansion.

What role will SMRs play in Sweden, and when could they realistically arrive?

Conventional light-water SMRs are seen as the nearest-term option because the technology is relatively proven for experienced nuclear nations, though supply chain readiness could slow progress. If plans hold, Sweden could have SMRs operating before the mid-2030s, while advanced designs remain further from commercial rollout.

How is Sweden accelerating investments and deployment for new nuclear projects?

A new state-backed financing model provides certainty for investors in the Swedish nuclear landscape. Sweden has also proposed a new licensing pathway that would guarantee clarity for projects earlier on, potentially cutting years of uncertainty before detailed permitting begins.

Power Technology

Capital Dynamics, Solo Renewables partner on $132m LDES system

The Islandmagee project will supply daily power for up to 36,000 homes, assuming one discharge per day.

Capital Dynamics and Solo Renewables have entered into a joint venture (JV) to develop a £100m ($132.2m) long-duration energy storage (LDES) system in Northern Ireland.

The project, located in Islandmagee, is set to provide energy equivalent to the daily consumption of up to 36,000 households once operational, assuming a single discharge each day.

In February 2026, the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council granted planning approval for the 150MW project, which offers a storage capacity of up to eight hours or 1,200MWh.

The LDES system in Islandmagee is among the initial large-scale energy storage sites being developed in the Irish Single Electricity Market.

It comes at a time when regulatory changes, such as the Renewable Electricity Price Guarantee (REPG), are driving investments in wind and solar power across Northern Ireland.

The Islandmagee LDES aims to support local grid stability and contribute to the economic and community welfare by providing substantial storage capacity.

With planning approval obtained, Capital Dynamics and Solo Renewables are focused on advancing the project.

Both parties remain committed to collaborating with relevant stakeholders and authorities to expedite progress on the Islandmagee LDES.

Solo Renewables director Andrew Hutchinson said: “Securing planning approval in six months reflects the strength of this project and the local understanding that Islandmagee is one of the most strategically important locations in the all-island energy network.

“Northern Ireland has great potential to create and use more renewable electricity locally. This will be a good thing for homes and businesses across the region, but can only happen if we increase our ability to store wind and solar energy that can't be used at the time it's produced.

“We're pleased Capital Dynamics sees the potential of the Islandmagee LDES project, and we're looking forward to delivering a landmark storage facility that supports the energy transition.”

In November 2024, Capital Dynamics secured £48.5m in funding for its inaugural Scottish onshore wind projects that boast a combined capacity of 193MW.