Nuclear power and our plants

Nuclear power is an integral part of today’s energy system and an important component of Vattenfall´s energy mix.

Vattenfall operates several nuclear power plants in Sweden and Germany.

Nuclear power quick facts

Nuclear power relies on uranium fuel, which is used for approximately five years before it is replaced. Uranium is extremely rich in energy; one kilo of uranium equals the energy in 90 tonnes of coal.

Main advantages

• Minimal environmental impact. Little to no emissions into the air, including greenhouse gases
• Electricity with a very high utilisation factor, leading to low costs per kWh
• A stable base production of electricity with low operating costs
• Sustainable fuel supply

Main disadvantages

• Has high investment costs
• Requires long-term management of radioactive waste
• Requires comprehensive safety management  

Nuclear power at Vattenfall

Nuclear power plays an important role in the present electricity supply systems around the world, amounting to 16 % of the total electricity produced. In Sweden nuclear power accounts for about half of all electricity used in the country, and in Germany about 27 %. Nuclear power represents approximately one third of Vattenfall’s total electricity generation, and almost one fourth of the Group’s electricity generation capacity.

Vattenfall’s nuclear power plants

Vattenfall is a part-owner of five nuclear power plants. In Sweden the Group operates seven nuclear power reactors at two sites - Forsmark and Ringhals, and in Germany two nuclear power plants - Brunsbüttel, Krümmel and is part owner in Brokdorf. 

Vattenfall's nuclear power plants - Overview, facts and statistics (PDF 19 kB)

Extensive investment programmes

In Sweden, major investments are being made to increase safety, reduce environmental impact, upgrade and extend lifetime of existing nuclear power plants. In 2007 Vattenfall invested SEK 3 billion in safety upgrades, modernisation and capacity increases at the Forsmark and Ringhals nuclear power plants. The capacity increases made during the year amounted to approximately 124 MW.

In the years ahead, continued investments are planned primarily in safety upgrades, capacity increases and continued modernisation. During the period 2002 to 2016 Vattenfall plans to invest approximately SEK 25 billion in its Swedish nuclear power.

In Germany, it is more than 30 years since the first kilowatt-hour of electricity was produced at Brunsbüttel. Since then EUR 600 million have been invested in Brunsbüttel and more than EUR 300 million in Krümmel - with the aim of meeting increased environmental and safety requirements and in order to extend the service life of our reactors.With the modernisation work that is currently being undertaken, we will be able to run our facilities for many years to come.
Nuclear safety 

Read more about our investment programme:
Forsmark
Ringhals

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