The Beznau nuclear plant in canton Aargau is Switzerland's oldest.
Keystone
Reactor block 1 at Beznau nuclear power plant can restart after a three-year shutdown for repairs, the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate said on Tuesday.
This content was published on
1 minute
SDA-ATS/jc
Español
es
El reactor más viejo del mundo, de nuevo operativo
Built in 1969, the Beznau facility in canton Aargau is the world’s oldest commercial nuclear power plant still in operation. It has been out of service since March 2015, when anomalies were found in its steam generator.
The safety authorities now say the reactor presents no security risk.
Following the announcement, utility company Axpo said it hoped to have the reactor fully up and running again by the end of March. But there was immediate protest from environmental groups who called this “absolutely irresponsible”.
Beznau is one of two reactors that were shut down to check the quality of steel components used in their steam generators. The Beznau II reactor was built in 1971.
Switzerland has five nuclear power reactors which generate about 34.5% of the nation’s energy needs. It uses nuclear energy to produce electricity, in research and medicine.
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.
The Mühleberg nuclear plant near Bern, built in 1972, will shut down in 2019, according to the power station operators.
Popular Stories
More
Life & Aging
Zurich: how the world capital of housing shortages is tackling the problem
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Swiss defence minister reaffirms military cooperation with neighbours
This content was published on
On his first trip abroad in government, Defence Minister Martin Pfister visited the Swiss troops taking part in a major exercise in Austria.
Trade unions mobilise against right-wing extremist circles
This content was published on
Under the motto 'Solidarity instead of agitation - strong together!' May Day events are taking place throughout Switzerland this Thursday.
Left-wing extremists in Switzerland call for ‘militant’ rallies on May 1
This content was published on
Left-wing extremist groups are mobilising on social media. The violent activist scene is a focal point for the intelligence community.
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…
Swiss give green light for renewables and nuclear phase out
This content was published on
Voters have approved a new energy law that aims to promote renewable energy, ban new nuclear power plants and lower energy consumption.
This content was published on
Ahead of a vote calling for 45 year limits to nuclear power plants, we look at what dismantling a nuclear power plant involves.
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.