In a significant move that could reshape the future of nuclear energy in Sweden, Blykalla has teamed up with ABB to develop small modular reactor (SMR) technology. This partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), aims to establish an electric SMR pilot facility in Oskarshamn, a town roughly 340 kilometers south of Stockholm. The collaboration comes at a crucial time as Sweden pushes forward with its clean energy and decarbonization goals, and it highlights the increasing interest in SMRs as a flexible alternative to traditional nuclear power.
At the heart of this initiative lies the SEALER-E prototype, an electric lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR). Blykalla CEO Jacob Stedman has emphasized the innovative approach they’re adopting: the facility will not engage in nuclear fission but will instead simulate the conditions of a nuclear reaction using electricity. “We don’t split atoms in this testing facility because we want to test a number of things in the safety system,” he explained. This non-nuclear testing environment allows for a faster and more cost-effective exploration of safety protocols, which is critical in an industry where delays can be costly and regulatory hurdles daunting.
Stedman’s background in software has influenced his perspective on the nuclear sector. He advocates for a “fail fast” methodology, arguing that early problem detection leads to quicker and cheaper solutions. This approach could be a game-changer for the nuclear industry, where traditional practices often involve lengthy and expensive permitting processes. By iterating tests in a non-nuclear setting, Blykalla aims to streamline the development of its future reactors, which could accelerate the deployment of SMR technology across various sites.
The testing facility will run entirely on electrical power, using a wire to heat liquid lead to the required temperatures. Although it won’t utilize uranium, the reactor’s dimensions will allow for a full-scale simulation of future nuclear vessels. This innovative setup not only enhances safety testing but also aligns with the growing demand for more localized energy solutions. SMRs are particularly appealing because of their smaller footprint, making them suitable for deployment in remote areas that lack the infrastructure for large-scale nuclear plants.
However, with the rise of SMRs comes the challenge of cybersecurity, especially as these reactors may operate remotely. Chatham House has raised concerns that the reliance on computer systems could expose SMRs to increased cybersecurity risks. Stedman reassured stakeholders that Blykalla plans to maintain on-site personnel at all facilities to mitigate these risks, stating, “A completely remote system would be decades away.” This commitment reflects a cautious yet forward-thinking approach to integrating advanced technology into nuclear operations.
As Sweden embarks on a significant nuclear expansion, with a roadmap targeting up to 10GW of new capacity by 2045, the partnership between Blykalla and ABB is poised to play a pivotal role in achieving these ambitious goals. Nuclear energy currently accounts for about 30% of the country’s electricity, and the introduction of SMRs could provide a much-needed boost to Sweden’s energy transition efforts. ABB’s Energy Industries president, Per Erik Holsten, encapsulated the sentiment: “The energy transition is one of the greatest challenges but also opportunities of our time.”
The collaboration not only signifies a critical step toward advancing nuclear technology in Sweden but also reflects a broader global trend toward embracing SMRs. As countries around the world grapple with energy demands and climate commitments, the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of SMRs could become a cornerstone of future energy strategies. This partnership could very well set the stage for a new era in nuclear energy, one where innovation meets safety and sustainability head-on.
