Sweden Plans to Lift Nuclear Power Bans Along Coast

The Swedish government wants to remove nuclear power plant bans in coastal areas. The proposal would eliminate restrictions in Bohuslän, Öland, Gotland, and Stockholm's archipelago.

Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari said the government needs to evaluate all suitable locations. "We cannot exclude potential sites in advance," she stated in comments to media. "Current bans prevent proper assessment of coastal areas that might work well for nuclear facilities.

The changes would create better conditions for companies wanting to build and invest in nuclear technology along the coast, according to officials. The proposal also opens other "undeveloped coastal areas" and "highly exploited coastal areas" for nuclear power consideration.

Additional regions would become available for nuclear development under the plan. These include parts of Småland and Östergötland from Simpevarp to Arkösund. The Ångermanland coast from Storfjärden to Skagsudde would also become eligible.

For international readers, these coastal regions represent some of Sweden's most popular summer destinations and environmentally sensitive areas. The government's move signals a major shift in energy policy that could reshape Sweden's coastline.

This expansion push comes as Sweden seeks to meet growing electricity demand while maintaining its climate goals. The government clearly prioritizes energy security over preserving all coastal protections, though local opposition in these tourist-heavy regions seems inevitable.