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

CRP Subsea secures contract for Vattenfall’s Nordlicht I cable systems

CRP Subsea will deliver NjordGuard systems to protect cables on the Germany’s offshore wind farm.

CRP Subsea, which operates under AIS, has secured a contract with Jan De Nul to supply cable protection systems for Vattenfall’s Nordlicht I offshore wind farm in the German North Sea.

The agreement covers the provision of 141 NjordGuard cable protection systems designed to safeguard inter-array cables at both ends, when they connect to offshore converter platforms and wind turbine generators.

The contract specifies three different NjordGuard protection system designs to accommodate installation needs for monopile and J-tube interfaces at the site.

CRP Subsea has begun engineering work on the project, aiming to deliver the systems by December 2026.

Production will take place at the company’s facility in North West England, which operates a semi-automated line.

The Nordlicht I wind farm is expected to have an installed capacity of 980MW and is planned to enter operation in 2028.

Upon completion, it will generate power equivalent to the annual consumption of more than one million German households.

CRP Subsea Sales head Andy Smith said: “We are proud to partner with Jan De Nul on the Nordlicht I wind farm project. Being chosen to supply NjordGuard for this project demonstrates our customers’ confidence in us to provide innovative, reliable solutions that protect critical offshore infrastructure.

“Our tailored designs for both monopile and J-tube interfaces ensure the cables are protected throughout installation and operational life, helping them achieve efficient and secure offshore operations.”

The NjordGuard cable protection system has been developed for use on offshore wind farm power cables linking turbines and substation platforms. It uses API-qualified materials and is compatible with both monopile and J-tube interfaces.

The system incorporates API 17L certified Uraduct material to improve resistance to seabed wear, which can reduce the need for added rock stabilisation during deployment.

In January 2026, Vattenfall made its final investment decision (FID) for the Nordlicht offshore wind cluster in Germany after the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) granted an irrevocable permit for the Nordlicht II offshore wind farm.