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An analysis by Matthias Heim
05.12.2024, 17:46
The Beznau nuclear power plant has reached the end of its life. Even a lot of money would not have breathed a second life into the aging reactors. This fact is now putting Switzerland under pressure in several ways. First of all, the energy industry itself: With Beznau, a substantial amount of electricity will be lost in the medium term and will have to be replaced.
In any case, a new nuclear power plant will not close the gap so quickly. The planning and construction of such a facility would probably take 20 years at best. Provided that the people want to allow this technology in Switzerland again. According to current legislation, new construction is not permitted.
Potential in the solar sector not exhausted
As a result, the amount of electricity must come from other sources: wind, water and sun. In the solar sector, expansion is going well, but must continue at a similar pace in the future. In addition, the technology is undisputed and the existing potential in Switzerland is far from being exhausted. And with large storage systems, new options are now available to compensate for fluctuations as well as production peaks and demand.
The construction of new wind farms is likely to be more difficult. Wind turbines are not welcome in some places. It takes a lot of convincing on the part of the initiators. When it comes to hydropower, there is only limited scope for new, large systems in the Alps.
People support expansion
What is also positive is that the people have expressed their support for this expansion in several votes; at the national level, on a very fundamental level with the Energy Act and at the local level, sometimes on specific projects such as Alpine solar systems.
Axpo’s decision now puts all energy suppliers under pressure to move forward with projects in Switzerland quickly, seriously and with the necessary tact.
-Decision creates time and space
But the end of Beznau also puts pressure on politicians: the Leibstadt and Gösgen nuclear power plants are the two largest and youngest nuclear power plants in Switzerland. But they also have several decades of operation under their belt. The question will also arise here as to whether and at what cost their lifespan can and should be extended.
The owners are still investing because they make money from it. But what if the calculation no longer adds up? Does the public sector then have to step in? Politicians should clarify these questions at an early stage.
The decision to close Beznau at the end of 2033 creates time and space, but it must be used.
Matthias Heim
Business editor
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Matthias Heim studied economic history. He has been working for Radio SRF since 2007 and has been a business editor since 2016. His areas of expertise are aviation, tourism, transport, retail and energy.
