Extra CHF1bn needed to decommission Swiss nuclear plants
Keystone
Decommissioning Switzerland’s five nuclear power stations and dealing with radioactive waste will cost CHF1.1 billion ($1.15 billion) more than previously estimated. The total bill is now expected to reach CHF24.6 billion, the environment ministry said on Thursday.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/mga
In 2011, Switzerland decided to phase out nuclear power, which supplies on average 35% of the country’s electricity production, following the Fukushima disaster in Japan.
While no exact timetable has been set for all five plants to be taken out of service, the government has worked out the cost of the operation. Some CHF3.8 billion has been earmarked to break down the facilities and a further CHF20.8 billion is needed to dispose of radioactive waste safely.
Previous estimates had put total costs at CHF23.5 billion, but this had included potential savings from cantons joining forces to dispose of waste and a resultant expectation that compensation costs would be reduced. These savings have been stripped out of the revised budget as no concrete plans have been laid down as to how to achieve this.
The bill will be met from two separate funds – one for decommissioning facilities and the other to cover waste disposal – consisting of contributions from nuclear plant operators.
In May 2017, Swiss voters endorsed a new energy law that aims to promote renewable energy by banning new nuclear power plants and reducing energy consumption.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
This content was published on
The agency running the canton Bern plant told Swiss public television that it wants to have the treatment facility up and running by 2025, and treating the radioactive waste for the following 30 years. But a spokesperson would not reveal how much it would cost, how big it would be or where it will be…
This content was published on
Banning construction of nuclear power plants and limiting to 45 years the use of existing ones: that's an issue before Swiss voters in November.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.