Name of the Project
Ringhals nuclear power plant (NPP) upgrade.
Location
Värö Peninsula, in Varberg municipality, about 65 km south of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Project Owner/s
Ringhals, owned by Vattenfall (70.4%) and Sydkraft Nuclear Power (29.6%).
Project Description
The Ringhals NPP has a total power output of about 3 932 MW and produces 20% of all the electricity used in Sweden.
The four reactors produce about 28 TWh/y.
Ringhals 1 was shut down as planned on New Year’s Eve in 2020. After nearly 45 years of power operation, the nuclear fuel will now be removed from the reactor, after which the plant will be prepared for decommissioning.
Even though Ringhals 1 and 2 have been shut down, electricity generation continues with the Ringhals 3 and 4 reactors.
Ringhals’ and Vattenfall’s boards of directors have decided to invest in independent core cooling for reactors 3 and 4 at the power plant to extend operations into the 2040s.
Ringhals 3 and 4 provide about 12% of the country’s electricity generation; the four reactors combined previously accounted for about 20% of Swedish electricity generation.
Potential Job Creation
Not stated.
Capital Expenditure
SKr900-million.
Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.
Latest Developments
Framatome has been awarded contracts with Vattenfall for the modernisation of the Ringhals NPP.
The modernisation includes the upgrade of the Nuclear Safety and Training simulator at Ringhals. Before installation, the equipment will be jointly tested with Vattenfall at the premises. The new reactor control system will be installed and commissioned in 2026 for Unit 3 and in 2027 for Unit 4.
In addition to the control system upgrades, Framatome will also refurbish six reactor coolant pumps (RCPs). Within the primary loop, RCPs are fundamental to the safety and efficiency of NPPs.
The RCP internals and motors will be transported to Maubeuge, where they will be inspected and refurbished, including the installation of new stators and the replacement of thermal barrier covers. The refurbished elements will then be shipped back to Sweden to progressively replace the current operating equipment starting in 2025 and concluding in 2031.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Vattenfall subcontractor Westinghouse Electric Sweden (dismantling of reactor tanks, internal parts and fuel racks); and Framatome (modernisation of the NPP).
Contact Details for Project Information
Vattenfall’s press office, tel +46 8 739 50 10, email press@vattenfall.com.