Switzerland said stop new nuclear power plants in 2018. It could well go back soon, due to the popular vote on the pro-nuclear initiative “Stop the blackout”. Because even if the text is refused, the Federal Council is proposing an indirect counter-project which would once again allow the construction of power stations in Switzerland, he announced on Friday. It is launching a consultation in this direction until April 3, 2025.
The world has changed, believes the government. The war in Ukraine showed that long-term energy security was not as stable as might have been thought a decade ago. The import of electricity is still huge, particularly in winter. However, the Federal Council insists: the development of renewable energies remains a priority to achieve the objective of net zero emissions by 2050.
Currently, no specific power plant construction projects are underway, and issues such as financing or construction deadlines are not yet on the table. But the door would be open again in the event of acceptance of the initiative or its counter-project.
According to the initiators, “the “net zero” carbon objective by 2050 can only be achieved with the help of nuclear energy”. Opponents believe that time is running out, and that potential new power plants would not be operational for several decades. Not to mention that there remains a risk of a nuclear accident that should not be neglected. According to them, we must therefore favor the development of renewable energies.
