Program
Nuclear Power

Polymeric Materials in Nuclear Applications

This programme aims to improve understanding of polymer materials in nuclear power plants and build a strong expert network.

Find on the page

Reports

The programme will benefit plant owners by improving safety, availability, and reducing costs. It will provide reports, guidelines, and recommendations on how to study polymer materials, predict aging, and detect damage.

The key goals are:

Solving technical problems, like managing aging and ensuring quality.
Sharing knowledge and expanding the expert group.
Strengthening the use of polymer expertise in the industry

Olivia Winestedt

Programme manager Nuclear, Hydropower and Energy systems

I am a programme manager in nuclear power, hydropower, and energy systems. Previously, I worked as a nuclear safety consultant. As an energy systems engineer, I am passionate about contributing to a well-functioning and sustainable energy system, and to create value by combining a systems perspective with practical experience. In my free time, I enjoy practicing different types of sports and playing different types of games. Right now, I’m learning how to cross-country ski, I’ll let you know if I like it or not!

Partners

Fortum
Karlstads Energi
Skellefteå Kraft
Uniper
Vattenfall
TVO

Propose a project

Do you have an idea for a project that you would like to perform within this programme? Please fill out this form and send it by e-mail to programme manager Olivia Winestedt. Decisions on new projects are made as needed throughout the year.

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What is polymeric materials?

Polymeric materials play an important role in nuclear facilities, yet their behaviour and limitations are often less well understood than other materials.

In a webinar, Annelie Jansson from Forsmark and Patrik Rydberg from Ringhals, gave an accessible introduction to polymeric materials used in nuclear applications and highlight challenges associated with their use. Watch the recording of the webinar here.

Publications and reports

Here you will find reports and fact sheets from the program.

- Report
Summary Report – Nuclear Projects 2025
This document contains brief introductions to all projects that were finalized and/or published in Energiforsk Nuclear Portfolio Programs during the year 2025.
31 mars 2026|2026:1178Karin Westling, Energiforsk
- Report
Use, limitations and possibilities of Arrhenius based extrapolations for LTO studies of polymeric materials
Long-term operation of nuclear power plants relies on reliable ageing management of polymeric materials used in safety‑relevant components such as cables, seals and gaskets. Predicting their long‑term performance is essential for safe operation and informed decisions on lifetime extension. This study examines the use of Arrhenius‑based extrapolations in accelerated ageing tests for polymeric materials.
13 mars 2026|2026:1177Karin Jacobson, and Mathias C. Celina, PDS Consulting
- Report
Cable Condition Monitoring Experiences at Nuclear Power Plants
Nuclear power plant cables are subjected to ageing during their service life. Proper ageing management of cables is increasingly important as the plants age and lifetime extensions are considered.
27 juni 2025|2025:1124Konsta Sipilä, Anna Bondeson
- Report
Examination of two In-Service-Aged PVC Cables from a Nuclear Power Plant
Two PVC instrumentation wires recovered from in-service for over 40 years have been examined.
24 juni 2025|2025:1122Karin Jacobson