energy law reform<\/a>, approved by 58% of voters, which set Switzerland on a path to phasing out nuclear power while expanding renewables such as solar, geothermal and hydropower.<\/p>\nSupporters argue that nuclear energy is essential for Switzerland\u2019s energy security and climate strategy.<\/p>\n
The Swiss government also believes new nuclear plants should be authorised again but has put forward a counterproposal that limits itself to amending the law and not the Constitution.<\/p>\n
A majority in the Senate from the right-wing Swiss People\u2019s Party, the centre-right Radical-Liberal Party, and most of the Centre Party backed the counterproposal. The left-wing Social Democrats and Greens, as well as the Liberal Greens, the Protestant Party and environmental groups oppose it, arguing that new reactors would take decades to build \u2013 potentially not before 2050 \u2013 and still carry significant technical risks. The House of Representatives must now debate the issue. Energy Minister Albert R\u00f6sti has said a referendum is likely.<\/p>\n
For now Switzerland remains committed to a gradual nuclear phaseout, a policy launched after the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan, approved by voters in 2017. The country still has three ageing nuclear plants with four reactors \u2013 Beznau I and II, G\u00f6sgen and Leibstadt \u2013 which together produce about 30% of the country\u2019s electricity.<\/p>\n
![\"Swiss](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/akw-eng-data-49029800.jpg\")
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Kai Reusser \/ swissinfo.ch <\/p>\n
Why is there a rethink in Switzerland now?<\/p>\n
The Alpine nation\u2019s climate policy has created a sense of urgency. Switzerland aims to become climate neutral by 2050, which means replacing fossil fuel heating systems and combustion-engine cars with electric alternatives, driving up electricity demand. At the same time, the country\u2019s four ageing nuclear reactors will likely be shut down in the coming years. Whether hydropower, solar and wind can fully compensate remains contested.<\/p>\n
New nuclear plants could help close the looming energy supply gap with a low carbon footprint. Since the war in Ukraine, energy security has also taken on new importance. Policymakers want to reduce dependence on imported gas and electricity in winter. In short: concerns about blackouts and climate targets are increasingly outweighing the safety fears that prevailed after the nuclear disaster in Fukushima 15 years ago. In addition, new reactor designs promise to be cheaper and safer.<\/p>\n
What is the state of the latest nuclear power plant technology?<\/p>\n
Here, optimism from certain politicians and industry officials contrasts with the technical reality. Hopes rest largely on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity up to 300 MW (about a third produced by traditional reactors) which could be mass produced and assembled modularly. Only two SMRs currently operate worldwide \u2013 one in Russia and one in China. The European Union aims to deploy the first SMRs in the early 2030s, but recent US projects have suffered setbacks.<\/p>\n
Another focus is on so-called fourth-generation large reactors, which are designed to be safer and more sustainable, and minimise the nuclear waste problem. According to the most optimistic timelines, such plants will be operational in the mid-2030s at the earliest, and Swiss approval processes typically take longer.<\/p>\n
Are new nuclear power plants financially viable?<\/p>\n
Financing is likely to be the biggest obstacle. Estimates of the cost of a new plant in Switzerland range between CHF15 billion and CHF25 billion ($19.2 billion and $32 billion). Experts believe that private financing alone is unrealistic; state guarantees or subsidies would be needed. Various models are possible. Either consumers co-finance through a small levy on their electricity consumption \u2013 as is the case today with renewables \u2013 and\/or the Swiss government participates as a co-owner, as some cantons did with existing nuclear power plants.<\/p>\n
What does the recent EU decision mean for the energy transition?<\/p>\n
The EU has signalled a renewed emphasis on nuclear energy. Reducing Europe\u2019s nuclear energy sector was a \u201cstrategic mistake\u201d, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday, as governments grapple with an energy crunch from the conflict in the Middle East. Her statement is highly controversial. Supporters argue nuclear power enhances energy security and that fossil fuels \u2013 oil, gas and coal \u2013 could be replaced by climate-friendly nuclear power. But critics warn it could undermine investment in hydropower, wind and solar.<\/p>\n
In Switzerland, the federal government says new nuclear plants could complement the development of renewable energies. But the technology remains politically divisive, as surveys show. Any new project would face major political resistance and likely lengthy legal challenges \u2013 delays that could significantly slow the country\u2019s broader energy transition.<\/p>\n
\n More<\/p>\n
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More <\/p>\n
Emissions reduction\n <\/p>\n
Why climate change and wars are reviving interest in nuclear energy <\/p>\n
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This content was published on <\/p>\n
Jul 17, 2025 <\/p>\n
Is the Fukushima effect over? Here\u2019s why there is renewed interest around the atom and which nations want to build new nuclear power plants. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Read more: Why climate change and wars are reviving interest in nuclear energy
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Translated from German using AI\/sb\/ac<\/p>\n
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