Swiss Renewables: Energy Director Says Energy Debate Is A “Sham”
Swiss Renewables: Energy Director Says Energy Debate Is A “Sham”
Thu, May 2nd 2024
Roberto Schmidt advocates for renewable energy as the Swiss Parliament debates nuclear power’s future.
KEYSTONE/Gaetan Bally
In Switzerland, the debate over the future of energy has reached a contentious point, particularly with the growing discussions in parliament favouring nuclear power.
Roberto Schmidt, the President of the Cantonal Conference of Energy Directors (EnDK), has openly criticised these developments. In a recent interview with the “Neue Zürcher Zeitung,” he referred to the current energy debates as a “sham,” highlighting the impracticality of building new nuclear power plants in the short to medium term due to numerous persistent issues.
Schmidt stressed the importance of focusing on renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro, and wind power to secure Switzerland’s energy future. “We can also secure the energy supply in Switzerland with solar, hydro, and wind power,” he affirmed.
While not opposed to upgrading and extending the life of existing nuclear facilities, Schmidt is skeptical about the viability of new nuclear plants, citing a lack of public acceptance and the economic burden of massive subsidies that would be required from federal and cantonal governments.
He also pointed out that only 29% of the population supports the planning of a new reactor, according to recent surveys. Issues such as safety, disposal of radioactive waste, and the overall lack of technology acceptance remain significant barriers.
Furthermore, Schmidt criticised the slow implementation of the Federal Council’s energy strategy, which he believes has not failed but has been mired in endless principle-based debates. “We are constantly going round in circles,” he lamented, referencing the slow progress in areas like rooftop photovoltaics, which only saw advancement due to the recent energy crisis pressures.
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