- Switzerland plans to lift its 2018 ban on new nuclear power plants to address growing electricity demand and climate goals.
- The Swiss government will submit an amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act by the end of 2024, and consultations will run until March 2025.
The Swiss government has unveiled plans to lift its ban on constructing new nuclear power plants, which has been in place since 2018. This policy shift is part of a broader strategy to address Switzerland’s evolving energy needs, which are driven by increasing electricity demand, climate targets, and geopolitical uncertainties.
Switzerland operates four nuclear reactors, which provide approximately one-third of the country’s electricity. Despite a previous commitment to phase out nuclear energy following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi disaster, the government now recognises the necessity of maintaining a diverse energy portfolio to meet future demands and achieve its climate goals. The decision to reconsider the ban reflects a growing need for flexibility in the nation’s energy policy.
Several factors have influenced this policy reversal. The Swiss government gradually withdrew from nuclear power post-Fukushima, driven by safety concerns and public opinion. However, recent legislative measures such as the “Electricity For Everyone At All Times” initiative and the “Federal Act on a Secure Electricity Supply with Renewable Energies” have highlighted the urgency of adapting Switzerland’s energy strategy.
These developments underscore the necessity of considering all clean energy options, including nuclear, to ensure a reliable and secure electricity supply. The Federal Department of Energy and Communications is expected to propose an amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act by the end of 2024.
This amendment will initiate a consultation process that will continue until March 2025. The Swiss Parliament will review the proposal and consider any counter-proposals. While the government has emphasised that constructing new nuclear power plants is not imminent, it underscores technological openness’s importance in addressing future energy needs.
The proposed change has garnered support from several organisations, including the Swiss Nuclear Forum. The Forum argues that lifting the ban will enhance Switzerland’s energy security and improve climate protection. It also advocates for a simplified licensing regime to make nuclear power more attractive and feasible in the country.
Switzerland’s move to lift the nuclear construction ban marks a significant shift in its energy policy. By reopening the possibility of building new nuclear reactors, the Swiss government aims to bolster its energy security and remain adaptable to growing electricity demands and climate challenges.