Swedish Government Wants to Allow Nuclear Power in Protected Archipelago

The Swedish government wants to remove the Environmental Code’s ban on nuclear power in virtually all Swedish archipelagos.

This would open the way for nuclear power plants in Bohuslän, Öland, Gotland, and the Stockholm archipelago, among other places.

We need to be able to evaluate all suitable sites for new nuclear power plants; we cannot rule them out in advance,’ said swedish Environment and Climate Minister Romina Pourmokhtari (L) in a comment to TT.

According to the proposal, protection of natural and cultural values should be maintained.

The proposal has now been sent out for consultation. The deadline for responses is 15 December 2025.

‘The current ban excludes locations that could be suitable without allowing for a case-by-case assessment. The amendment to the law creates opportunities for more players who want to build and invest in nuclear facilities on the coast,’ writes Pourmokhtari.

The proposal means that, in addition to lifting the ban on nuclear facilities in Bohuslän, the Stockholm archipelago, Öland and Gotland, other ‘unbroken coastal areas’ and ‘highly exploited coastal areas’ will also be opened up for nuclear power, according to the proposal.

This will also open up opportunities for nuclear power plants in Småland and Östergötland (from Simpevarp to Arkösund) and in Ångermanland (from Storfjärden to Skagsudde).

The amendments are proposed to enter into force on 1 July 2026.

Foto: Klimat- och miljöminister Romina Pourmokhtari (L). Lars Schröder/TT Arkivbild