Nuclear power is coming back into focus as an important long-term piece of the puzzle for climate change, resilience and competitiveness. But in addition to investment in the construction of new nuclear activities, investment is also needed to build skills and confidence.
Electricity and electrification are important pieces of the puzzle in terms of competitiveness, resilience and meeting global sustainability goals. However, the scale of future electricity demand is a matter of debate, but most expect a sharp increase, with former Google CEO Eric Schmidt recently stating that AI – which today consumes 3% of the electricity generated – will consume 99% of all electricity generated in the future.
"As with all predictions, this should be taken with a pinch of salt, but it does show that a conceivable future scenario includes an exponential increase in electricity use," says Andreas Johansson, Head of Marketing within Built environment at RISE and responsible for RISE's work on power generation.
Growing interest among decision-makers
Sweden has a virtually fossil-free electricity system, in which nuclear power has long played an important role. Since the early 1980s, however, the Swedish focus has been on phasing out nuclear power. But now the government has changed course and believes that nuclear power should be developed again in Sweden, not only as a direct source of electricity, but also as an enabler for other energy sources and grid stability. Plans for 2045 indicate that about 20% of Sweden's electricity will be generated by nuclear power.
"Technological development in nuclear power has also made great strides in recent decades. In particular, so-called SMRs – small modular reactors – are something that can change the conditions for new installations, says Andreas Johansson.
"The interest in nuclear power has therefore clearly increased among decision-makers in Swedish municipalities," he says. "Energy policy is closely linked to economic policy and climate policy, and many municipalities see the need for planned production in order to create added value for their own municipality and its inhabitants.
The nuclear industry needs to be made attractive to attract new students, highlighting its climate benefits, innovation and societal value.
A retiring generation
A new wave of nuclear investment comes with challenges. Long-term political stability is a must to attract investors, and an equally important challenge is expertise.
"Many of those with the most advanced nuclear expertise in Sweden belong to a generation that will soon be retiring. In order to attract new students, the nuclear power industry needs to be made more attractive, emphasising its climate benefits, innovative power and social value. Career paths for young technicians and engineers must be made visible," says Andreas Johansson.
On the other hand, excellence is only part of what is needed.
"Many more civil engineers, IT specialists, project managers, welders, concrete workers, electricians and supervisors will be needed. This can be difficult enough to recruit in a sector that has long been in decline, and will require upskilling and retraining.
The way forward
So how can this problem be solved? Andreas Johansson points to the UK's Nuclear Skills Taskforce initiative as a model in this area. The collaboration between government, industry and academia has resulted in a strategic plan to fill 40,000 jobs by 2030. The country is investing the equivalent of around SEK 10 billion in skills development.
"The situation in the UK may not be entirely comparable, but it would be valuable to have something similar in Sweden. "Basically, it's about improving the ability to 'work together'," says Andreas Johansson.
RISE is therefore now working with the government's nuclear coordinator to investigate what kind of structure is needed in Sweden to best address skills issues other than basic education.
"Nuclear energy is an important area for RISE. Our core mission is to address skills needs that are important for competitiveness and sustainable renewal of society. We are also recognised for our success in bringing together different parties around common problems, and we are able to offer expert support and research infrastructure in a wide range of areas that are important for the implementation of the plans, such as technology, AI, cybersecurity, automation and systems analysis," concludes Andreas Johansson.
What skills are needed for the future of nuclear power?
According to a survey by the Swedish Energy Agency:
- Less than 500 nuclear engineers
- Around 5,000 civil engineers (mainly in energy, electricity and construction)
- Around 5,000 IT specialists
- High demand for technicians, logisticians, project managers, concrete workers, supervisors, etc.
80% of labour needs do not require an academic degree, but vocational training, retraining or upskilling.
What is the UK Nuclear Skills Taskforce?
- Launched in 2023 to bring together stakeholders from government, industry and academia to secure the future of nuclear skills.
- Investment: At least GBP 763 million (approx. SEK 10 billion) by 2030
- Aim: To create 40,000 new jobs and double the number of apprentices and graduates in the nuclear sector.
- Tools: Strategic Plan, Regional Competence Centres, Destination Nuclear communication campaign.
