Sweden’s Red Brick Building: Preparing for an Uncertain Future Amidst Geopolitical Tensions and Energy Security Concerns

Sweden’s Red Brick Building Prepares for an Uncertain Future

Sweden has long been known for its commitment to peace and disarmament, but the country is now facing a new reality as it prepares for an uncertain future. The red brick building with its gray cooling towers in Malmö’s northern harbor symbolizes this shift in thinking. Originally, the decommissioned power plant located near the Juutinrauma beach was supposed to be dismantled and transferred abroad to new ownership. However, the war in Ukraine changed Sweden’s defense policy and forced the country to reassess the security of its energy production.

Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, is closer to St. Petersburg than Berlin, and Sweden has been on alert since Russia annexed Crimea ten years ago. Now, with a Russian president who has become more daring as a neighbor Vladimir Putin, and the newest member of the defense alliance NATO, Sweden must be prepared if some kind of conflict spreads through the Baltics.

The Swedish grid operator wants to return the power plant known as the Juutinrauma power plant located in Malmö to operational readiness. This move comes as a result of concerns about widespread power outages due to potential disruptions in Sweden’s electricity production. “I hope we don’t end up in a situation where we have to start the power plant,” says Mikael Nilsson, the power plant manager.

When the Cold War ended, Sweden believed in the permanence of peace and reduced its armed forces. Now, in addition to its armed forces, it must strengthen its civilian infrastructure such as ports, roads, railways, hospitals and shelters. Sweden’s geographical location makes its energy supply particularly vulnerable due to its reliance on nuclear, hydro and wind power sources which are susceptible to sabotage according to Vera van Zoest who is an assistant professor at Swedish National Defense University.

Compared to many other European countries