Background
What did it cost to close BARSEBÄCK?
The first reactor closed in 1999 [1]. and the second in 2005 [2]. In the 17 years since 2005,
Barsebæk has therefore been operational “away,” we can now see what the price has been and
whether the opponents have saved us all or added risk to us.
When a significant energy source such as nuclear power closes, it must be replaced by something
else, which is always fossil energy.
Swedish researchers (Qvist & Brook) found in 2015 that the closure of Barsebæk annually between
2005 and 2014 cost 2,400 extra human lives due to particle pollution, resulting in an increase of 95
million tons of excess co2 in global emissions [3]. Quoted from the report, translated into Danish:
We estimate that the political decision to close Barsebäck has resulted in ~2400 avoidable energy
production-related deaths and an increase in global CO2 emissions of 95 million tonnes (October
2014).
Not enough of that. In 2006, after Barsebæk was closed, the Danish Energy Association reported
Svenska Kraftnät to the EU Commission because it had restricted electricity exports to Denmark [3].
It was the measure that led to electricity prices, which now means that southern Swedes have to pay
sky-high prices for electricity compared to people in Norrland.
Sources:
1- https://www.world-nuclear.org/reactor/default.aspx/BARSEBACK-1
2- https://www.world-nuclear.org/reactor/default.aspx/BARSEBACK-2
3- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301421515001731
4-https://www.nyteknik.se/energi/danskar-glads-at-elomraden-6419226
