Qualification of the Swedish Nuclear Power Supply Chain

Commissioned by the The Swedish Nuclear New-build Coordination Office, the project addressed national functions that strengthen a competitive and secure supply chain.

Purpose and Objectives

The objective of the project was to develop a comprehensive overview of the needs and conditions within the Swedish supplier base in order to meet the quality and certification requirements of the nuclear power sector. The project resulted in concrete proposals for methods and working approaches for quality assurance and certification in nuclear supply chains in preparation for upcoming nuclear power investments. In addition, the project provided recommendations on how continued initiatives can be structured, for example through industry networks, advisory functions, and coordination of certification bodies.

Challenge

A large-scale expansion of nuclear power in Sweden requires a broad and well-qualified supplier base. At the same time, the nuclear sector is characterized by very high requirements for quality, safety, traceability, and regulatory compliance. For many potential suppliers, particularly small and medium-sized industrial companies, the barriers to entry are significant. The state can therefore play an active role in lowering these thresholds without compromising safety.

Solution

The project was carried out in close collaboration with the Nuclear Power Coordination and Business Sweden, and is based on interviews, international comparisons, and analysis of existing models. The study resulted in a proposal for a national framework for supplier qualification, structured around three complementary components:

• Part 1 – Qualification Program: A step-by-step process to develop and verify suppliers’ capability to meet nuclear-related requirements.
• Part 2 – Industry-wide Certification: A tiered certification model that creates a common and reusable reference for suppliers’ capabilities.
• Part 3 – Training and Advisory Program: A supporting structure that helps suppliers understand requirements and develop the necessary competencies.