Federal Council brings option for new nuclear power plants back into play
Published: Wednesday, Aug 28th 2024, 17:20
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Nuclear power plants should remain a long-term option in Switzerland. The Federal Council wants to overturn the ban on the construction of new nuclear power plants passed by the people in 2017. Although there are no plans for a new nuclear power plant, the Federal Council has reignited the decades-old debate on nuclear power in Switzerland.
The SP, Greens and Green Liberals were up in arms in their initial reactions on Wednesday. They accused the state government of disregarding the will of the people. Opponents warned of the risks of nuclear power for people and the environment. In addition, the costs of building a new power plant were incalculable.
The Greens had already declared war on the possible construction of new nuclear power plants at their party meeting in mid-August and announced a referendum. For them, nuclear power has no future. That future lies in renewable energies.
The Energy Foundation, which campaigns for renewable energies, believes that the Federal Council is sabotaging the energy transition. It called on Parliament to correct the Federal Council's plans. The Swiss Nuclear Forum, on the other hand, praised the Federal Council. Lifting the ban on new construction would mark an important step towards a secure and climate-friendly power supply.
"We must act now"
Energy and Environment Minister Albert Rösti wants to lift the ban on the construction of new nuclear power plants in response to a concern of the popular initiative "Electricity for all at all times (stop the blackout)" into account. He is preparing an indirect counter-proposal. Parliament could possibly discuss this as early as the end of next year.
"The existing ban on the construction of new nuclear power plants is not compatible with the goal of technological openness and also poses risks for the dismantling of existing plants," said the Federal Council, explaining its change of direction. It remains to be seen whether the expansion of renewable energies will take place quickly enough to cover the loss of capacity and the increasing demand for electricity in time.
There have been no plans for a new nuclear power plant from either the federal government or the energy companies. There should be no new nuclear power plants without massive subsidies. For Rösti, one thing is clear: as long as there is a ban, companies will not even think about new projects. "We have to act now in order to be ready later."
Seven years after the nuclear phase-out
According to the Federal Council, the nuclear power plant option could accelerate the construction of renewable energy plants. It could increase the pressure to finally move forward with these plants.
Following the reactor accident in Fukushima, Japan, Switzerland decided to gradually phase out nuclear energy in 2011. In 2017, the majority of the people voted in favor of the nuclear phase-out. The construction of new nuclear power plants has been banned since then. The four operating nuclear power plants may remain on the grid as long as they are safe.
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