Blykalla, a Swedish developer of lead-cooled small modular reactor (SMR) technology, has signed a letter of intent with Hörby Municipality to assess the feasibility of siting a SEALER reactor in Stavröd, Skåne County, southern Sweden. The 18-month study will evaluate conditions for energy production and component manufacturing, including soil analyses, field studies, drilling, infrastructure needs, and potential recipients of electricity and heat. Hörby Municipality will provide planning support, coordination, and access to key stakeholders, aligning with its 2024–2028 energy plan to enhance local energy production for industrial and housing growth.

Municipal Councilor Anders Hansson and Legal Counsel at Blykalla, Martin Bengtsson, signed the letter of intent

A spin-off from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Blykalla has been advancing lead-cooled reactor systems since 1996. Founded in 2013, the company is developing the SEALER (Swedish Advanced Lead Reactor) SMR. Its first reactor, SEALER-One, is planned for construction in Sweden by 2029 to demonstrate the technology and support industrial applications like pyrolysis for decarbonized biochar production. Blykalla has an agreement with Studsvik to develop SEALER-One in Nyköping, Sweden, with licensing efforts ongoing.

By 2050, Blykalla aims to deploy up to 1,000 SMRs, delivering 500 TWh of clean energy annually for industries requiring reliable power, such as hydrogen production and process heat. The SEALER design supports reduced carbon emissions and enhances industrial resilience.

Jacob Stedman, CEO of Blykalla, stated: “Southern Sweden is facing an enormous electricity demand, and Hörby is becoming a pioneering municipality that dares to take the lead in the energy transition with a project that puts them on the map internationally. With our technology, we can offer stable fossil-free electricity production where there are otherwise few alternatives. This strengthens both the region's energy security and future competitiveness, which will be crucial for Swedish growth going forward.”

Anders Hansson, Chairman of the Municipal Board in Hörby, said: “By collaborating with Blykalla, we are faced with a unique opportunity to become the hub in the development of a new future technology, an engine for the future energy supply in Skåne. Hörby will become a place where innovation, stability and growth go hand-in-hand. We create new jobs, strengthen our business sector and make Hörby municipality more attractive to live and work in.”

The collaboration addresses southern Sweden’s need for stable, emission-free electricity amid high prices and capacity challenges. In 2025, Hörby and Blykalla will host community meetings to discuss the project, fostering dialogue and engagement with residents to support regional energy security and economic development.