Energy Minister Doris Leuthard says that future energy costs in Switzerland will be higher, whether the country invests in nuclear power or alternative sources.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch and agencies
In an interview with Saturday’s edition of the Geneva newspaper, Le Temps, Leuthard argued that safety rather than cost would be the determining factor.
She said the nuclear catastrophe at Fukushima in Japan had not “ruined” her confidence in atomic power but noted that many questions had to be asked now that were not put before.
“We have to give precise answers which rely on facts and not on emotions,” she said.
Leuthard admitted that it would be difficult at present for Swiss voters to accept plans for any new nuclear power plant in Switzerland.
“But we cannot simply say that we want to abandon nuclear energy. We have to analyse the consequences of supplying the country [with energy]¨.
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.
Read more
More
Europe divided over nuclear energy
This content was published on
Of Switzerland’s four European Union neighbours, one gets nearly four fifths of its energy from nuclear power while another has added a nuclear free article to its constitution. All EU states are ready to work out tough safety checks, Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger announced on March 15, after an extraordinary meeting of EU energy ministers.…
This content was published on
However, despite the intense political discussion about Switzerland’s energy policy, radical change on the issue in parliament looks unlikely. Atomic energy was already set to be a key theme in next legislative period, with parliament to decide on three requests for new nuclear plants to replace the five current ones, which are coming to the…
This content was published on
Relief mixed with exhaustion and sadness were written on the faces of those disembarking from flight Swiss LX 2763. Hitomi Baltisberger waited with barely concealed impatience for the arrival of her daughter Gabi, her Japanese son-in-law and their seven month old daughter. Baltisberger and her other daughter, Yuko, had come from Basel to meet the…
This content was published on
Since the 1960s, Switzerland has built enough underground shelters to protect its entire population with space left over – something no other country has done. But since they have never been needed for their original purpose, they have gradually been put to other uses.
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.