Swedish data center operator Bahnhof, known for its data center built in a former nuclear bunker in Stockholm, would consider building a small nuclear reactor in the city to run a new data center. This is according to a survey conducted by the news site of SVT (Sveriges Television AB, the Swedish national public television broadcaster).
SVT Nyheter ('SVT News') held a survey among 20 of Sweden's largest electricity consumers. Three companies said they would consider investing money in building new nuclear power to meet their future electricity needs. Apart from Bahnhof, these are gas company Linde (formerly AGA) and mining company Boliden.
Small modular reactors
Bahnhof has data centers in Stockholm and Malmö and is now investigating the possibility of building a small reactor at the new data center being built in Hjorthagen in Stockholm. Bahnhof's CEO Jon Karlung understands that it is provocative to want to build nuclear power in central Stockholm, but points to the advantages of building new power plants where the needs exist. In cities there are also electricity networks and the possibility of using waste heat in district heating networks. "I understand the problems with putting a plant in the inner city" says Karlung, "but ten years down the road it is possible, if there is a decision about it."
Currently, Sweden nuclear power accounts for about 30% of its electricity production and helps make it Europe’s largest net power exporter, according to energy data analyst EnAppSys. Last year, the new Swedish government said it would look into the construction of new reactors. As large reactor projects often cost more than projected and take longer to build, small modular reactors (SMRs) are seen by some as a way to make nuclear power more cost effective. A similar discussion is being held in Denmark.
