popular articles

Switzerland rethinks its nuclear strategy for its energy future

The Swiss government is considering lifting the ban on new nuclear power plants, in response to growing electricity needs and uncertainties in the energy market.

Please share:

The Swiss government is taking a proactive approach to today’s energy challenges.
The revision of the Nuclear Energy Act, scheduled for completion by the end of 2024, aims to lift the ban on the construction of new power plants, established following the 2017 referendum.
This initiative responds to the need to ensure the country’s energy security in the face of market developments and geopolitical pressures.
Albert Rösti, Minister of the Environment, Transport and Energy, says the revision is essential to keep all options open in the long term, given the growing demands on electricity supply.

The need for flexibility in the energy mix

The four nuclear power plants currently operating in Switzerland account for around a third of electricity production.
Their operating licence, which is unlimited subject to safety conditions, could be called into question by the lack of alternative generating capacity.
The government anticipates a potential energy deficit if renewable energies do not progress rapidly enough to replace the nuclear capacity that could be lost.
In view of this, the current legal prohibitions need to be revised to ensure sufficient flexibility in the future energy mix.

Economic challenges and stakes

The revision of the legislation does not necessarily mean the imminent construction of new power plants, but aims to avoid a regulatory deadlock that could compromise the country’s energy future.
The nuclear option is seen as a strategic lever for securing the country’s energy supply, especially as demand for electricity continues to rise.
The Swiss government is thus placing the emphasis on long-term planning, while allowing public and parliamentary debate to determine future directions.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Orano Begins Extending Its Georges-Besse II Plant in Tricastin, Aiming to Boost Uranium Enrichment Capacities and Strengthen Its Position Against Rosatom, the Russian Sector Leader.
Orano has signed four engineering partnerships for its Aval du futur program, aimed at modernizing its treatment and recycling plants by 2040-2050, in collaboration with key players in the nuclear sector.
Orano has signed four engineering partnerships for its Aval du futur program, aimed at modernizing its treatment and recycling plants by 2040-2050, in collaboration with key players in the nuclear sector.
Italy is considering lifting its nuclear energy ban, paving the way for new technologies with the potential support of Westinghouse and EDF. This partnership aims to create a state-owned entity dedicated to advanced nuclear reactors, marking a turning point in the country's energy policy.
Italy is considering lifting its nuclear energy ban, paving the way for new technologies with the potential support of Westinghouse and EDF. This partnership aims to create a state-owned entity dedicated to advanced nuclear reactors, marking a turning point in the country's energy policy.
The uncertainty of the European Union's policy on Russian nuclear fuel imports is strongly affecting Orano's investments and the sector, threatening Europe's energy security.
The uncertainty of the European Union's policy on Russian nuclear fuel imports is strongly affecting Orano's investments and the sector, threatening Europe's energy security.
KHNP, a South Korean energy leader, rejects government subsidy accusations related to its bid for two nuclear reactors in the Czech Republic.
EDF presented a project for a recycling plant for low-level radioactive metals near the former Fessenheim nuclear plant. The proposed technocenter will transform these metals into conventional steel or iron ingots. The public debate will begin on October 10.
EDF presented a project for a recycling plant for low-level radioactive metals near the former Fessenheim nuclear plant. The proposed technocenter will transform these metals into conventional steel or iron ingots. The public debate will begin on October 10.
ITER Director Insists Fusion Project "Must Continue" Despite Challenges
ITER Director Insists Fusion Project "Must Continue" Despite Challenges
In a referendum, over 70% of Kazakh voters approved the construction of a nuclear power plant, marking a major turning point in the country's energy strategy aimed at diversifying its energy mix and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
In a referendum, over 70% of Kazakh voters approved the construction of a nuclear power plant, marking a major turning point in the country's energy strategy aimed at diversifying its energy mix and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
Kairos Power begins construction of a new salt production facility at Mesa del Sol, near Albuquerque, intended to supply high-purity molten salt for its advanced reactors.
Spain: Nuclear Waste Tax Increase Triggers Legal Tensions
Spain: Nuclear Waste Tax Increase Triggers Legal Tensions
The Canadian government has announced a $13.6 million investment to support nine research projects for Small Modular Reactors (SMR), aiming to strengthen the country's nuclear capabilities and contribute to a low-carbon economy.
The Canadian government has announced a $13.6 million investment to support nine research projects for Small Modular Reactors (SMR), aiming to strengthen the country's nuclear capabilities and contribute to a low-carbon economy.
In the Kazakh steppe, Ulken awaits the construction of its first nuclear power plant to address its energy deficit, despite a past marked by Soviet nuclear tests and uncertainties about the project's future.
In the Kazakh steppe, Ulken awaits the construction of its first nuclear power plant to address its energy deficit, despite a past marked by Soviet nuclear tests and uncertainties about the project's future.
The US Exim Bank has approved a USD98 million loan to support pre-project services for the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR) in Romania, aiming for a 462 MWe capacity at the former Doicești coal plant.
The US Department of Energy releases the first update of its "Pathways to Commercial Liftoff" report, highlighting the growing prominence of nuclear energy amid increasing electricity demand.
The US Department of Energy releases the first update of its "Pathways to Commercial Liftoff" report, highlighting the growing prominence of nuclear energy amid increasing electricity demand.
El Salvador signs a memorandum of understanding with Argentina’s National Atomic Energy Commission to develop its nuclear program, marking a key step in its energy diversification strategy.
El Salvador signs a memorandum of understanding with Argentina’s National Atomic Energy Commission to develop its nuclear program, marking a key step in its energy diversification strategy.
Japan's new Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Yoji Muto, recently reaffirmed the country's commitment to restart its nuclear power plants while maximizing the integration of renewables into its energy mix. This approach is part of a broader strategy to diversify Japan’s energy sources and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
Japan's new Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Yoji Muto, recently reaffirmed the country's commitment to restart its nuclear power plants while maximizing the integration of renewables into its energy mix. This approach is part of a broader strategy to diversify Japan’s energy sources and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
Newcleo, a specialist in small modular reactors, has raised €135 million and is relocating its headquarters to Paris to improve access to European funding. The startup aims to strengthen its capacity in France and accelerate its technological development.
Sweden plans to begin construction of a nuclear reactor before 2026, as part of a long-term strategy to double national electricity production by 2045 through the integration of new modular reactors.
Sweden plans to begin construction of a nuclear reactor before 2026, as part of a long-term strategy to double national electricity production by 2045 through the integration of new modular reactors.
GE Hitachi makes progress in the UK competition for small modular reactors (SMRs), confirming its position in the nuclear power sector.
GE Hitachi makes progress in the UK competition for small modular reactors (SMRs), confirming its position in the nuclear power sector.
NANO Nuclear receives support from the U.S. Department of Energy for its portable 'ZEUS' reactor, with technical collaboration from Idaho National Laboratory.
NANO Nuclear receives support from the U.S. Department of Energy for its portable 'ZEUS' reactor, with technical collaboration from Idaho National Laboratory.
The vote to appoint Matthew Marzano to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has been postponed to November 13, without any official explanation, despite questions about his qualifications.
For the first time in the USA, previously closed nuclear power plants are about to be recommissioned by energy companies, in an unprecedented move to meet the growing demand for electricity.
For the first time in the USA, previously closed nuclear power plants are about to be recommissioned by energy companies, in an unprecedented move to meet the growing demand for electricity.
Centrus urges the U.S. government to direct the $3.4 billion in federal investment into domestic nuclear technology, in order to strengthen U.S. energy independence from foreign dependencies.
Centrus urges the U.S. government to direct the $3.4 billion in federal investment into domestic nuclear technology, in order to strengthen U.S. energy independence from foreign dependencies.
Nuclear power development requires hybrid financial models to overcome cost and investment obstacles. Industry players are exploring innovative strategies to secure the financing needed for this key sector.
Nuclear power development requires hybrid financial models to overcome cost and investment obstacles. Industry players are exploring innovative strategies to secure the financing needed for this key sector.

Advertising