Sweden supports research into Generation IV nuclear power

Gen IV nuclear technology promises to revolutionize the energy sector by reducing radioactive waste and minimizing uranium mining, while reusing spent nuclear fuel.

Share:

La Suède appuie dans la recherche sur le nucléaire de IV générations.

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90€/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90€/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 €/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99€/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 €/year from the second year.

The MUST (Multidisciplinary Commitments for Sweden’s Gen IV Technology and Expertise) project brings together researchers from the universities of Chalmers, KTH, Uppsala and Lund. This project aims to strengthen existing research centers in Sweden, notably ANItA and SUNRISE, with a focus on sustainable power generation and resource utilization in the Gen IV system. Christian Ekberg, project coordinator and Professor of Nuclear Chemistry at Chalmers, enthuses: “The fact that Sweden dares to invest in the nuclear technology of the future is very gratifying.” Once fully developed, this system could produce as much energy as the 12 Swedish reactors in operation in the past, without requiring new uranium mines.

Investment and Partnerships

The results will provide valuable information for a case study on Gen IV implementation by Kärnfull Next AB, the project’s commercial partner. John Ahlberg, Chief Strategy Officer at Kärnfull Next, says: “Our participation aligns perfectly with our mission to promote technological advances and ensure the long-term viability of nuclear power. We believe in the transformative potential of Gen IV technology to deliver clean, safe and reliable energy.”

Skills Development and Education

In addition to developing Gen IV technology, the MUST project addresses the need to develop skills in nuclear and radiological sciences. It hires young researchers and allocates significant resources to training and mentoring PhD students, helping to revitalize nuclear expertise in Sweden. Ekberg points out: “Education in radiological sciences is rare in Sweden. KTH and Uppsala University have programs focusing mainly on nuclear reactors.

Future prospects

Kärnfull Next plans to have the first commercial SMR (Small Modular Reactor) operational in Sweden by the early 2030s. Ahlberg adds, “Our involvement in this Gen IV initiative testifies to our long-term vision and complements our day-to-day activities of prospecting for new SMR sites in Sweden.” This technology, which minimizes radioactive waste and enables spent nuclear fuel to be reused, could revolutionize the energy sector, while fostering the development and training of new skills in the nuclear sciences.

Validation of underground injection permits by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency strengthens Dewey Burdock’s regulatory position and paves the way for state permitting expected in 2025.
Facing energy security challenges, several Southeast Asian countries are turning to nuclear and could invest up to $208bn to reach 25 GW of capacity, favouring small modular reactors.
A strategic partnership between the United Kingdom and the United States aims to shorten nuclear licensing timelines and strengthen industrial cooperation around fusion and modular reactors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency projects global nuclear capacity to reach 992 GW by 2050, driven by small modular reactors and lifetime extensions of existing plants.
Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels have announced a target date of around September 19 to finalise their strategic consolidation, pending final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange.
The General Court of the European Union has rejected Austria’s appeal against the inclusion of gas and nuclear energy in the classification of sustainable investments.
Kazakhstan has signed an agreement with Nukem Technologies Engineering Services GmbH to benefit from German expertise in nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management.
The European Court of Justice annulled the European Commission's authorisation of Hungarian state aid for the Paks II nuclear project, questioning compliance with EU public procurement rules.
A Chinese consortium has secured a CNY4.2bn ($594mn) contract for the construction of conventional islands for the Xuwei nuclear project, combining third and fourth generation reactors.
Rosatom and China National Nuclear Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation in talent development and skills training in the nuclear sector.
Iran has reached a new agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency to formalise the resumption of inspections, following months of suspension linked to military tensions and criticism of its nuclear programme.
The French Energy Regulatory Commission outlines a structured plan to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, focusing on industrial heat and series effects to enhance competitiveness.
US-based Nuclearn has secured $10.5mn to scale its artificial intelligence platform, already deployed in over 65 nuclear reactors, to automate critical operations amid rising energy demand.
The steel dome of the CAP1000 Haiyang 4 reactor has been positioned, a major construction milestone paving the way for upcoming maintenance and technical installation phases.
The Groupement des Industriels Français de l'Énergie Nucléaire and the Belgian Nuclear Forum formalise a partnership aimed at strengthening industrial exchanges and joint projects between the two countries’ nuclear sectors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency warns that little time remains to reach an agreement with Iran on fully resuming inspections, as European sanctions could be reimposed within 30 days.
Slovenia’s JEK2 project moves forward with two nuclear technologies judged technically compatible, estimated between EUR9.31bn ($10.1bn) and EUR15.37bn ($16.66bn).
US-based Oklo will build the country’s first privately funded nuclear fuel recycling centre in Oak Ridge, investing $1.7bn and creating over 800 jobs.
The Tennessee Valley Authority partners with ENTRA1 Energy to develop up to 6 gigawatts of modular nuclear capacity, in an unprecedented project supporting energy growth across seven U.S. states.
A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency puts Iran’s 60% enriched uranium at 440.9 kg before Israeli and U.S. strikes, while the agency’s access to enrichment sites has remained suspended since the operations.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.