Sweden: Sweden's nuclear-powered facility will power data centers

Karnfull Next, a Swedish nuclear corporation, has announced plans for a campus of small modular reactors (SMRs) on the Swedish coast that will power data centers. The company intends to construct the facility in Nykoping, on the Swedish east coast, where the nuclear software company Studsvik currently operates test reactors. It is expected to become operational in 2030.

Karnfull is an advocate of Small Modular Reactors, which are promoted as a means to reduce the cost and delivery issues of conventional large nuclear programs. SMR providers, such as Rolls-Royce in the United Kingdom and Nuscale in the United States, contend that nuclear energy is carbon-free and must be incorporated into any plan to decarbonize society. The smaller reactors have power outputs of approximately 300MW and can be constructed repeatedly with factory-made parts. This level of standardization is intended to reduce the length of the nuclear planning and approval process.

In May, the corporation initiated a feasibility study for utilizing the Studsvik site, scheduled for completion in December. It has signed a memorandum of understanding to investigate the potential for commercial nuclear energy production there based on positive results. The company is still evaluating factors such as financing, permitting, and the possibility of power purchase agreements with electricity off-takers and expects to conclude by the end of 2024. 

According to a press release published in Architects Journal, Instance Architects has been selected as a potential architect for the eventual project if it proceeds.