Thesis: Cooling System Design for New Nuclear Power Plants in Sweden
Gothenburg, Sverige
Type of Employment Part-time
Job position Energy Engineer
Work model On location
Application due date 22 December 2026
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Company Description

AFRY offers services in engineering, design, digitalization, and consulting. We are dedicated experts in industry, energy, and infrastructure, and we create value for future generations. AFRY has Nordic roots with a global reach. Our shared principles— Results -driven, Client -centric, Empowering, and Accountable—guide us in how we work, develop, and succeed together. Join us in accelerating the transition to a sustainable society.

Job Description

AFRY is one of the largest consulting firms in the nuclear power industry, and we are always striving to expand and strengthen our expertise. We are now looking for a civil engineering student interested in completing their thesis with us at AFRY Nuclear. The thesis project described below is a proposal from us, to be carried out in collaboration with Chalmers.

Background, Objectives, and Proposed Method

The government has now received six applications for state support for new nuclear power from various entities. Blykalla AB, Nucore Energi, Studsvik, Nordic Baseload Power, and Videberg Kraft AB have all submitted proposals for new construction. The projects include both small modular reactors (SMRs) and more conventional nuclear power solutions at both existing and new sites. Various reactor suppliers are also involved in the planning, offering light-water-cooled pressurized and boiling water reactors, as well as new technologies such as lead-cooled reactors.

The purpose of the study is to analyze how different reactor technologies, reactor power levels, and site-specific environmental conditions influence the design of cooling systems for the six proposed Swedish nuclear power projects. The study covers several reactor types, including boiling water reactors (BWR), pressurized water reactors (PWR), small modular reactors (SMR), and lead-cooled reactors. By examining each potential site based on factors such as access to cooling water, temperature variations, and environmental constraints, this study aims to identify the technical and geographical conditions that govern the selection and sizing of cooling systems. The study also aims to relate the results to various projected future scenarios for Sweden’s electricity demand. This is to highlight how the reactors’ cooling requirements and location can affect their suitability and potential to contribute to the future electricity supply.

The proposed method includes exergy calculations for different reactor types, analysis of cooling solutions, and optimization taking into account environmental constraints and future electrification needs.

Qualifications

This thesis is ideal for you if you are interested in nuclear power, thermodynamics, and optimization, and have a good understanding of and interest in the expansion of nuclear power in Sweden. You are in the final stages of your master’s degree in engineering and plan to complete your thesis, equivalent to 30 HP, in the spring of 2027.

You are enrolled in a master’s program in sustainable energy systems or innovative and sustainable chemical engineering. You may have completed a bachelor’s degree in, for example, chemical engineering, chemical engineering with physics, mechanical engineering, or engineering physics—including courses in energy engineering, thermal engineering, and power plant system modeling. You can express yourself fluently in both Swedish and English, both verbally and in writing. If you have taken courses in nuclear power and/or reactor engineering, we consider this a plus.

As a person, the most important thing for us is that you identify with our core values—Brave, Devoted, and Team Players—which unite us at AFRY. This means we enjoy collaborating and sharing knowledge, and that we are driven and eager to constantly learn new things.

The work will be carried out at our office in Gothenburg in combination with work at Chalmers. We consider it a major plus if you’re able to be present at the office at least two days a week, where you’ll have your supervisor to support you.

Additional Information

A thesis project at AFRY Nuclear offers you the opportunity to deepen both your knowledge and understanding of the nuclear power industry. In addition to collaborating with experienced nuclear power experts, you’ll also have the opportunity to work alongside colleagues from other fields of expertise.  

A thesis project at AFRY can serve as a foundation for future employment. As an employee with us, you’ll be part of a modern workplace in a global context that’s forward-thinking and offers security through collective bargaining agreements and employee benefits such as wellness allowances, an occupational pension, and membership in our fantastic employee association, Club AFRY. Here, we organize a variety of social activities, ranging from ski trips, guided workouts, cabin rentals, guest lectures, to playing board games—and much, much more.

The application deadline is November 6, 2026. We review applications on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled before the application deadline.

If you have any questions about the thesis project, please contact Alexander, who will be your advisor! Alexander Young, Nuclear Consultant alexander.young@afry.com (mailto:alexander.young@afry.com)

For questions about the recruitment process, please contact Linnea (recruitment partner) at linnea.hansson@afry.com

The thesis is not security-classified. However, drug testing, security screening, and background checks are required for employment, as the positions operate within security-classified areas. For all hires, we conduct reference checks and verify educational credentials.

We kindly ask that staffing and recruitment agencies, as well as sellers of additional job advertisements, refrain from contacting us directly.

At AFRY, we drive change in everything we do. We believe that change happens when bold ideas come together, when we collaborate, drive innovation, and embrace creative solutions—that’s how we shape the future. We are constantly seeking qualified candidates who want to join our inclusive teams around the world. Join us and accelerate the green transition