About seven years ago, Switzerland decided to ban the construction of new nuclear power plants. Now the government has new plans.
The Swiss government is considering lifting the ban on building new nuclear power plants. In order to guarantee the electricity supply, it is necessary to be open to all technologies. “The existing ban on building new nuclear power plants is not compatible with the goal of technological openness and also entails risks for the dismantling of existing plants,” the government statement said.
After the reactor accident in Fukushima in Japan in 2011, Switzerland decided to gradually phase out nuclear energy. In a 2017 referendum, the majority voted in favor of phasing out nuclear power. The construction of new nuclear power plants was banned. The four nuclear power plants still in operation can remain on the grid as long as they are safe. One has already been closed.
Concern about energy shortages
It is unclear whether the expansion of renewable energies will be rapid enough to cover the lost capacities and the increasing electricity demand in a timely manner, said Energy Minister Albert Rösti. “The Federal Council wants to keep open the possibility of securing the current level of climate-friendly, domestic electricity that is available all year round and around the clock.” A corresponding legislative proposal is to be drawn up by the end of the year.
Initial reactions from the Greens and the Swiss Energy Foundation were outraged. They said the government was defying the will of the people. The Swiss Nuclear Forum, which advocates the peaceful use of nuclear power, welcomed the move.
Source: Stern
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