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Title: Sweden's antinuclear government moves slowly to phase out reactors

Journal Article · · Energy Res. Rep.; (United States)
OSTI ID:7095389

A 20-year energy plan under development by the Swedish government includes phasing out nuclear power plants and limiting energy-use growth. Stricter requirements have been set to prove fuel-cycle and environmental standards for reactor licensing, although the planning and construction of eight new reactors is continuing. Recent policies are interpreted as slowing nuclear industry growth, but maintaining flexibility in national options. Importing oil for 70 percent of her energy needs, Sweden is reluctant to expand hydroelectric capability for environmental reasons. With the previous administration committed to a breeder-coal economy, the heavy electricity-consuming nation may be too far along to turn back to alternative fuels. After 1990 Sweden's options, besides the breeder reactor and synthetic coal, include only wind, solar, geothermal biomass, and ocean power. Government actions prior to the energy data analysis are limited to restrictions of the Nuclear Power Stipulation Bill and Sweden's ability to hold energy-use growth at two percent a year and attain zero growth in 1990. Conservation measures include heavy taxes, energy-saving financial incentives, efficiency standards, and public education. (DCK)

OSTI ID:
7095389
Journal Information:
Energy Res. Rep.; (United States), Vol. 3:11
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English