Media reporting on Small Modular Reactors in Sweden - benefits, risks and actors involved

This study focuses on the introduction of new nuclear, particularly Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Sweden. The Swedish Government has decided on a revival for nuclear energy where SMRs are an important contribution to reach the goal of a total output of at least 2 500 MW by 2035. In this stage when much is unclear about the re-introduction and SMRs are under development media is an important agenda setter. The framing of the technology in terms of benefits, risks, uncertainties inform possible understanding of the technology. Positions can be expressed by different actors and can also become a way for different actors to position themselves, create alliances and marginalize competing messages. This presentation is based on an analysis of the framing of SMRs in Swedish media particularly how benefits and risks are articulated and which actors participate in shaping the image. To this end a content analysis of Swedish news media from 2020 until 2024 is conducted. The study shows how the character of the reporting changes over time but overall SMRs are framed as better and different than existing nuclear power plants and as a solution to contemporary challenges such as energy security, climate crisis and high prices on energy. Benefits rather than risks are covered. The reporting is also characterised by fuzziness; terminology shifts and benefits of SMRs are confused with generation IV nuclear reactors. Taken together the frame makes it hard to understand SMRs in general and risks in particular.