Since October 14, a decision by the owner has been in place not to resume operations at Oskarshamn 2 (O2) and to commence the closure of Oskarshamn 1 (O1) some time during the 2017-2019 period. Today, OKG’s Board of Directors made the decision to decommission O1 in conjunction with the outage in 2017.
The reason why the decision to close was set at the end of June 2017 is because the timing is best suited from an overall perspective. Moreover, the closure of O1 cannot commence until the required permits have been received from the Swedish Land and Environmental Court and the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority.
– We will as always ensure a reliable and safe operation until the closing date, says CEO Johan Dasht. An orderly and planned closure of O1 is conditional upon having motivated employees that are fully focused on production up to the date of closure, but who must also be focused on new assignments in other modes of operation. Despite changes to the content of the operation, we must always put safety first and manage the consequences in the best possible manner.
The closure decision is not attributable to reasons of safety. The decision is based on the sustained low electricity prices, combined with the output tax on nuclear power, which has now also increased and future requirements for comprehensive investments. Accordingly, there are no prerequisites for either O1 or O2 to generate financial profitability in the short or long term.
– Oskarshamn 3 (O3) is currently accessed as capable of continuing to produce climate efficient electricity throughout its technology lifecycle and OKG will therefore probably remain one of Oskarshamn’s largest employers, says CEO Johan Dasht.