Kärnfull Next announces
Pre-Feasibility Study in Västervik
WHAT?
Press Release
WHEN?
28 February 2025
215+ hectare site on Stora Askö joins Re:Firm South
Kärnfull Next continues its efforts to prepare for small modular reactors (SMRs) in Sweden by launching a feasibility study at a large property on Stora Askö in the municipality of Västervik.
The decision to welcome Västervik as a new candidate site within the company’s nuclear power program, Re:Firm South, is based on a wide range of factors, including strong local political support and interest from the business community in securing a stable and fossil-free energy supply for the region.
Kärnfull Next has signed a cooperation agreement with the landowner to conduct the pre-feasibility study.
In recent months, Västervik has been highlighted as a promising location for new nuclear power development. The chairman of the municipal executive board, Harald Hjalmarsson (M), has expressed openness to establishing SMRs in the municipality, and a political majority has voiced support for such an initiative.
Discussions have already taken place in the municipal council regarding how Västervik could play a role in Sweden’s future nuclear expansion.
“Västervik offers several advantages for SMR deployment. Its strategic coastal location, the municipality’s high ambitions, and a favorable local political climate create strong conditions for moving forward with the study on Stora Askö,” says John Eliasson, Head of Business Development at Kärnfull Next.
As always within the Re:Firm South program, the plan involves an SMR park, which means at least two light-water reactors. Previously announced candidate sites include Valdemarsvik, Karlshamn, Motala, and Nyköping.
The feasibility study will include technical, environmental, societal, and economic assessments of the site, in collaboration with the municipality of Västervik, the landowner, and other relevant stakeholders. The goal is to establish a solid foundation for a potential future SMR deployment.
“We are seeing a clear trend where more municipalities recognize nuclear power as a key component in Sweden’s energy transition. It is encouraging that Västervik is showing strong interest, and we look forward to deepening our analysis of Stora Askö,” Eliasson concludes.
John Eliasson
Head of Business Development, KNXT
Image Bank
Click to view, use download icon to save hi-res version.
Kärnfull Next AB
Kärnfull Next (KNXT) pioneers small modular reactor (SMR) project development in Sweden, using proven methodologies, global expertise and a broad service portfolio in order to actively contribute with a key element to the Nordic energy transition.
Västervik Municipality
Västerviks Municipality is located in electricity bidding zone 3 in Kalmar County, Sweden, with Västervik as its central hub. Geographically, the municipality is characterized by its striking coastal environment, featuring a vast archipelago with thousands of islands, alongside a varied inland landscape of forests and lakes. With a strong maritime tradition and a diverse economy spanning tourism and energy production, Västervik Municipality serves as a key regional center for business and recreation.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Want to know more?
John Eliasson, Head of Business Development
john.eliasson@knxt.se
+46 723 293666
Media requests: media@knxt.se
