Fr, 19. Januar 2024
IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi lauds Swiss nuclear energy, anticipates its vital role in the nation’s future.
In a recent interview, Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed his firm belief in a promising future for nuclear energy in Switzerland. Contrary to the global trend of phasing out nuclear power, Grossi sees a sustained role for it in the Swiss energy landscape.
During his conversation with “Le Temps” at the World Economic Forum in Davos GR, Grossi, an Argentine diplomat, praised the existing nuclear facilities in Switzerland for their impeccable operation and highest safety standards. He confidently stated, “I therefore think that your country will continue to be one of the operating states in the coming decades.”
Switzerland, which has a ban on the construction of new nuclear plants, faces the decision of whether to extend the life of its existing reactors. Grossi considers this as “one of the most efficient ways to continue to benefit from nuclear energy.” He cited the Beznau nuclear power plant in the canton of Aargau, operational since 1969, as an example of the longevity and reliability of Swiss nuclear infrastructure.
In a broader context, Grossi highlighted a renewed global interest in nuclear energy as a viable solution for the future. He pointed to countries like France, which is contemplating the construction of eight new power plants by 2050, as an indication of this shift.
Reflecting on the outcomes of the COP28 world climate conference, Grossi noted that participating countries acknowledged nuclear energy as an integral part of addressing the climate crisis. In his view, an energy transition without nuclear power is “absolutely impossible.”
Grossi advocated for a “return to realism” in the energy debate, addressing the criticisms often levied against nuclear power, particularly regarding nuclear waste management. He reassured that the industry had successfully managed waste since the 1970s, emphasising the need for long-term storage solutions.
In conclusion, Grossi’s remarks underscore the pivotal role he envisions for nuclear energy in Switzerland’s future, despite the global trends and challenges in the energy sector.
©Keystone/SDA
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