Sweden approves replacement of nuclear reactors
Posted on 18. Jun, 2010 by Leon Kennedy in World
On Thursday, Sweden‘s parliament approved a plan to replace it’s 10 currently operating nuclear power plants once they reach their end of life status. Previously, the country had expressed a commitment to phase out the reactors in favor of renewable energy, but for now it seems like parliament has scrapped this idea.
“It is a myth that nuclear power is forcing out renewable energies,” said Swedish Environment Minister, Andreas Carlgren. “(Renewables) have won the game. Why then exclude nuclear from the plan?” However, environmental groups such as Greenpeace have expressed their dissatisfaction with parliament’s decision, and maintain that this new plan will indeed interfere with the implementation of renewable energy. “With a narrow majority, the members of parliament show they do not take the environmental risks posed by nuclear power seriously, and that they do not trust in the enormous potential there is for Swedish renewable energy.”
The results of the vote sparked a protest in which 29 people were arrested for breaking into the Forsmark nuclear plant dressed up as wind, water, and sun to represent their interests in renewable energy. Apparently this protest was a part of Greenpeace’s plan to persuade parliament to vote against the replacement of the plants.
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