GENEVA – Switzerland’s government announced on December 20 its intention to amend the law banning new nuclear power stations, citing the need to ensure long-term energy security.
“The aim is to keep nuclear energy open as an option for the long-term security of the Swiss energy supply,” said a statement from the Federal Council, which has started consultations with local authorities, political parties, and unions.
The government emphasized the move as a contingency in case renewable energy expansion falls short or no climate-friendly alternatives become viable. It attributed the shift to changing circumstances, including “Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine” and the European electricity shortage in 2022–23, which highlighted Switzerland’s reliance on winter energy imports.
Despite renewing its focus on nuclear energy, the government affirmed that developing renewable energy remains a priority.
The proposed change has divided opinion. Anti-nuclear and environmental groups strongly oppose the plan, while Switzerland’s Association of Electricity Businesses has welcomed it.
Switzerland’s nuclear policy shifted in 2017 when a referendum backed the gradual phase-out of nuclear power, banning the construction of new plants. That decision was influenced by the 2011 Fukushima disaster. However, four ageing nuclear reactors remain operational, including Beznau, the country’s oldest, which began operating in 1969.
Earlier this month, authorities decided to extend the operation of Beznau’s first reactor until 2033, despite environmentalists, including Greenpeace, calling for its immediate shutdown. The second Beznau reactor is scheduled for closure in 2032, while the Goesgen and Leibstadt plants, in operation since 1979 and 1984 respectively, will remain active for now.