According to Sweden’s climate goals, we will not have any net emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere by 2045. In northern Sweden, a conversion industry is growing with, among other things, battery factories and production of stainless steel. Industries will require huge amounts of electricity to replace fossil energy in production. Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson says that new modular nuclear power may be needed to complete the new projects.
– Yes, it is at least not possible to close the door to new nuclear power. By law, you can build new nuclear power in Sweden. So far, it is regulated to the places where we have nuclear power, I think that is a very good idea. But we have not seen any serious company that has said they want to build for the cost is about three times as expensive as wind power.
When Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson has just been appointed Minister of Trade and Industry, he said that the Social Democrats love mines. Several controversial mining issues were then on his table for decision. This week, Thorwaldsson was criticized for the statement by a unanimous Constitutional Committee, which believes that such statements during an ongoing review may give rise to doubts that the Government’s review is factual and impartial.
“I learned from what KU said that I should be more careful with the words, but I really like mines even today, I can not change who I am.”
The government’s decision earlier this year to grant a permit to a mining company for a processing concession to proceed with the plans for an ore mine in Kallak in Jokkmokk has also received criticism from several quarters, including the Sami’s ability to conduct reindeer husbandry in the area and environmental consequences.
– There is so much going on in northern Sweden that we must find a better way to have conversations between different national interests, says Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson.
About Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson:
Name: Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson
Age: 57 years
Background: Was a metal worker before entering politics. Elected as SSU chairman in 1990 and held that position for five years, after which he was, among other things, chairman of ABF and information manager at the Social Democrats. Between 2012–2020, he was LO’s chairman. When Magdalena Andersson appointed Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson Minister of Trade and Industry in November 2021, he was a senior adviser at the steel company SSAB.
Guest: Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson (S)Minister of Trade and Industry
Comment: Eva LövbrandAssistant Professor at the Center for Climate Policy Research, Linköping University
Host: Pontus Mattsson
Producer: Maja Lagercrantz
Technician: Jesper Timan