Mapping the competence situation in the swedish nuclear power sector

Sweden has not built new nuclear power in the last 40 years, which has led to uncertainty regarding the current competence situation within the sector. As the Swedish government has set a target to expand the nuclear power, this study aims to map the competence situation and thus assess whether the competence required is sufficient for new construction and continued operation. The study is based on interviews with nine actors from both the private and the public sector. These interviews were analyzed in relation to a theoretical framework that divided the concept of competence into psychomotoric-, cognitive-, affective- and social factors as well as tacit knowledge. The respondents described a lack of competence in all areas alongside potential solutions to acquire some of these. Multiple respondents shared the view that the ability to lead large infrastructural projects as well as extensive knowledge of the facility is something Sweden is lacking due to the previous decommissioning. This knowledge is described as tacit and connected to experience, something which makes it hard to acquire. Labor immigration was discussed as a potential solution to cover this experience based competence gap, however it was described as challenging due to the regulations surrounding nuclear power, such as security clearances. The conclusion is that the competence situation for continued operation is adequate. However, the lack of the tacit, experience based knowledge was identified as the most challenging if Sweden aims to expand its nuclear capacity, rather than cognitive- or psychomotoric competencies.