As Sweden has approximately 50 % electric generation from hydropower, load-following of nuclear power has not been needed to a high extent in the past but a higher demand is to be expected in future energy systems. Costs are examined based on fuel demands and different fuel load patterns, component wear and tear, operational and maintenance costs, and long-term wear on structures. The information for this examination is collected from experiences in Sweden in the 1980s as well as from recent experience including detailed studies carried out in France on PWRs and Germany on BWRs and PWRs.
Additional Costs for Load-following Nuclear Power Plants
News
New method for investigating concrete structures in nuclear power plants
Nuclear power, which accounts for about 30% of Sweden's electricity production, plays a crucial role in delivering fossil-free electricity. As many nuclear power plants are approaching the end of their planned lifetime, it is crucial to extend their operating periods to meet current and future needs. Markus Nilsson at Lund University has spent four years investigating how non-linear ultrasonic methods can be used to detect and assess corrosion in concrete-embedded containment liners in nuclear power plants. The work has resulted in a doctoral thesis.
"Lifetime extension of nuclear power needs more focus"
The Life After 60 – Long Term Operation of Nuclear Power conference, hosted by Energiforsk last week, was fully booked. The importance of lifetime extension, the need for competence, and why green politicians acknowledge the necessity of nuclear power were three key topics that resonated throughout the event.
Exploring vibrations in power plants with Professor Rainer Nordmann
Energiforsk and Professor Rainer Nordmann have arranged a one-day-lecture tour of Sweden and Finland on turbogenerator vibrations.
Pump course in the Netherlands strengthened the Nordic nuclear power competence
– I appreciate that we were given the opportunity via Energiforsk to design a course that suited our purposes and hope more colleagues will have the opportunity to take it, says Lena Skoglund.
About the report
2012:71
Jonas Persson, Karin Andgren, Hans Henriksson, John Loberg, Christian Malm, Lars Pettersson, Johan Sandström och Timmy Sigfrids