Energy Greens and Greenpeace think the shutdown of the Beznau nuclear power plant is too long
The shutdown of the Beznau 1 and 2 nuclear power plants in 2033 and 2032 has provoked mixed reactions. The Swiss Energy Foundation SES and the Green Liberals welcome Axpo's decision, while the Greens and Greenpeace take issue with the extension.
05.12.2024, 11:25
SDA
"The decision to shut down Beznau is logical after the clear approval of the Electricity Act in June. The accelerated expansion of renewables makes it possible to continue the nuclear phase-out. In view of the risks posed by nuclear power plants, this is a good decision for Switzerland." These were the words of SES Managing Director Nils Epprecht in a statement.
Axpo's decision shows that the electricity supply situation has eased considerably since the start of the war in Ukraine, SES continued. The expansion of renewable energies is progressing at record speed not only in Switzerland, but throughout Europe.
In Switzerland, the expansion of solar energy alone will have replaced the electricity production of the already decommissioned Mühleberg nuclear power plant and the two nuclear power plants in Beznau before 2030 - even in terms of the winter share.
The Swiss Green Liberals also welcome the end of the world's oldest nuclear power plants. "Calculations show that with the ongoing expansion of solar and hydropower, we will no longer need all nuclear power plants by 2032. Switzerland already produces around 80 terawatt hours of electricity a year - but only around 60 terawatt hours are consumed," concluded Party President and National Councillor Jürg Grossen (GLP/BE).
"Lifespan already stretched too long"
The Swiss Green Party is also generally pleased with today's decision. They see it as an important step towards the final nuclear phase-out in Switzerland. However, they would have preferred to see the two Beznau nuclear power plants shut down today rather than tomorrow. Their lifespan has already been extended far too long, and even expensive retrofits cannot completely eliminate the associated risks.
"The CHF 350 million for continued operation until 2033 would be better invested in the energy transition. The waste of energy alone currently requires more electricity than the Beznau nuclear power plant produces," National Councillor Marionna Schlatter (Greens/ZH) was quoted as saying in a press release.
Driving forward the decarbonization of the energy system
For its part, the environmental protection organization Greenpeace believes that continued operation until 2033 is unnecessary and dangerous. Instead of trying to keep an outdated nuclear power plant alive, efforts to develop renewable energies should be accelerated today. This in order to achieve a rapid decarbonization of the energy system, according to Greenpeace.
