Dismantling the Mühleberg power plant, a first for Switzerland

Switzerland's pioneering Mühleberg power plant begins dismantling. A crucial process for safety and the environment.

Share:

démantèlement centrale Mühleberg Suisse

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The decommissioning of the Mühleberg power plant marks a first for Switzerland in terms of post-nuclear management. The UfG consortium, comprising Uniper Nuclear Services GmbH, Framatome GmbH and GNS Gesellschaft für Nuklear-Service mbH, is responsible for dismantling key plant components. These components include the pressurized reactor (RPV), its cover, the control rod housing and the RPV insulation. In all, around 270 tonnes of material will be removed, with the large-scale project due to start at the end of 2025.

A Swiss first

The Mühleberg power plant, with its 373 MWe boiling water reactor, was commissioned in 1972. At a time when nuclear power is the subject of much debate in Switzerland, it was the first Swiss nuclear facility to be shut down on December 20, 2019. Its dismantling began shortly afterwards, marking a historic turning point. Mühleberg was officially deemed out of service on September 15, 2020, when its operating license was replaced by a decommissioning order.

Three dismantling phases

Mühleberg is being dismantled in three distinct phases. The first phase was completed in September, well ahead of schedule, with the removal of 418 fuel elements from the plant. The second phase involves dismantling the controlled zones, and the third phase will ensure that the site no longer presents a radiological hazard.

Commitment from BKW and Uniper

In June 2022, BKW, the plant’s owner, submitted its application for the second phase of decommissioning to the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate. This phase will include the dismantling of all components that have come into contact with radioactivity. In March 2023, Uniper Nuclear Services was contracted to dismantle and condition two steam separators at Mühleberg, demonstrating the steady progress of the project.

By the end of 2030, the Mühleberg power plant should be free of radioactive material, enabling the start of conventional dismantling scheduled for 2031. BKW plans to submit an application for conventional dismantling in 2027, marking the final stages of a long process towards site rehabilitation.

The upcoming Sizewell C nuclear power plant secures its fuel supply through agreements signed with Urenco and Framatome, marking a key step in strengthening the United Kingdom’s long-term energy stability.
The construction of Uzbekistan’s first small modular reactor (SMR) is underway, with 1.5mn m³ of earth being excavated in Jizzakh, marking a major milestone for the nuclear project led by Rosatom.
A nationwide debate on radioactive waste strategy begins on October 13 for four months. It will accompany the preparation of the next five-year roadmap regulating storage, treatment and funding policies through 2031.
Holtec International has ended its planned interim nuclear storage facility in New Mexico, citing ongoing legal hurdles and political deadlock over spent fuel management.
An international audit led by the International Atomic Energy Agency confirms that Spain has fully addressed the recommendations made in 2018 regarding its nuclear waste management programme.
EDF anticipates a 35 MW decrease in output for the Flamanville EPR between 2026 and 2031, citing a degraded performance level with no official technical explanation to date.
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd has pushed the Bharat Small Reactors proposal deadline to 31 March 2026, aiming to expand private sector engagement in the captive nuclear energy project.
The Philippine government grants contractual advantages and priority dispatch to its first nuclear project, laying the groundwork for sustained sector development in the coming decades.
The merger between Terra Innovatum and GSR III Acquisition Corp. includes $130mn in proceeds aimed at supporting the industrial development of its SOLO™ micro-nuclear reactor.
US nuclear technology firm NANO Nuclear Energy has secured $400mn through an oversubscribed private placement, raising its cash position to approximately $600mn to accelerate development of its KRONOS MMR™ microreactors.
Global Nuclear Fuel, a GE Vernova-led alliance with Hitachi, plans the first use of its GNF4 boiling water reactor fuel in 2026, with full-scale production expected by 2030.
Arkansas has appointed Excel Services to analyse the economic, technological and logistical outlook of a new nuclear programme, with results expected within ten months.
Operator Belgoprocess has received authorisation to build a new facility to store waste generated from the ongoing decommissioning of Belgium’s nuclear reactors.
The British government has launched a consultation on the regulatory justification request for Rolls-Royce’s modular reactor, a decisive step towards its approval in the country’s nuclear market.
GVH and Samsung C&T join forces to accelerate international deployment of BWRX-300 small modular reactors, with a strong focus on Sweden and the consolidation of the nuclear supply chain.
The Swedish government aims to establish a right to compensation for operators if a political reversal leads to the early shutdown of nuclear plants, in a move to reduce investment risks.
Duke Energy adds a large nuclear reactor project to its 2025 plan for the Carolinas, anticipating electricity demand more than twice previous forecasts.
EDF has selected Arabelle Solutions to supply two complete turbine islands for the Sizewell C nuclear power plant, strengthening their industrial cooperation initiated at Hinkley Point C.
The Italian government has approved a bill granting the executive authority to regulate the return of nuclear energy, in line with European carbon neutrality and energy security targets for 2050.
Framatome and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission have commissioned a specialised industrial line in Jeumont for the manufacturing of nuclear components used in French Navy vessels.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.