Should Switzerland build new nuclear power plants again?

The SP, the Greens, and the GLP see things very differently. They would rather rely on renewable energies such as solar and hydro and import electricity from abroad in winter. The Centre Party is divided: some of its members want the Federal Council to secure additional funding first, others support the construction of new NPPs. Because of the narrow majority in the National Council, the Centre holds a lot of power on this issue.

A great deal of money is at stake: a single reactor costs several billion francs. That would be a massive expense – and that despite the fact that the federal government currently needs to save money. The Swiss cantons own many energy companies and would also be affected. The Federal Council must now draw up a new proposal. But in the end, the voters – all of us – will decide whether new NPPs may be built.

The story shows: energy policy affects you directly. If electricity generation is expanded in Switzerland, it has an impact on the electricity price, the environment, and climate goals. It is worth following such debates – the course for the coming decades is being set now.

Why does this matter to you?

The decision on new nuclear power plants in Switzerland affects your future: your electricity, the environment, and the climate. You will live with the consequences.