Kävlinge's municipal council has approved a letter of intent to investigate new nuclear power in Barsebäck, despite opposition criticism of hasty decisions. The Moderates announced the news in advance, frustrating smaller parties. The background involves a previously decommissioned facility with unique conditions for rebuilding.
On Wednesday, Kävlinge's municipal council decided on a letter of intent with Nordic Nuclear Energy AB to investigate the conditions for establishing at least one boiling water reactor in Barsebäck. The decision was pushed through by the minority coalition of the Moderates (M), Sweden Democrats (SD), and Christian Democrats (KD), supported by the Liberals (L). Opposition parties Social Democrats (S), Center Party (C), Löddebygden, and Green Party (MP) reserved themselves against the proposal.
The news leaked out in advance through a debate article by the Moderates in Sydsvenskan's Current Issues, before the formal meeting. Jesper Andersson from Löddebygden expressed disappointment: "It makes me sad and disappointed that they go out and write: 'today we will decide on nuclear power.' It's a bit disrespectful." Municipal councilor Annsofie Thuresson (M) defended the action: "I think this was a clarifying article where we showed our intentions."
Barsebäck plant's history dates back to 1975, when two reactors were built for 2 billion kronor. The facility closed after 30 years, and demolition is ongoing, projected to finish by 2038 at a cost of 5.7 billion kronor. A previous investigation, funded by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, confirmed that new nuclear power is possible on the site but emphasized the need to protect natural values like Barsebäck bog and Lödde river.
The opposition, represented by Ingvar Willexberg, questions the decision's relevance at the local level: "It's completely crazy to lock ourselves in. There is no national decision." The parties prefer solar and wind energy as faster alternatives. The letter of intent lasts 18 months and entails no financial commitments for the municipality. It aims to investigate location, influence landowners, and explore district heating utilization. Meanwhile, the government proposes changes to the Environmental Code to facilitate coastal nuclear power from 2026.
