In the energy crisis, nuclear power plants suddenly became socially acceptable again for a large part of the population. The fear of a literally cold winter and an energy shortage that will paralyze the economy is overwhelming. Only: Nuclear power plants need fuel rods. They are made of uranium. And this usually comes from Russia.
After the outbreak of the Ukrainian war, the power company Axpo assured that it would no longer import uranium from Russia. As “Tages-Anzeiger” reports, that doesn’t seem to be the case now. Because a Russian ship is on its way to Europe. Carrying fuel rods on board. Environmental organizations assume so.
Export permits for Switzerland
Michail Dudin is the name of the cargo ship that was launched in 1996. It is named after the famous Russian poet. The current load of the ship is St. Petersburg to Lingen (D) in Lower Saxony. However, that’s not the end of the line: the shiny cargo is headed to Switzerland.
According to “Tages-Anzeiger” there is no evidence of this. But solid evidence. German authorities are said to have issued export permits for Switzerland. Around September 22 for 44 fuel elements at the Beznau nuclear power plant, which is owned by Axpo. According to the report, there was already a license for the Leibstadt nuclear power plant in June for 80 fuel elements. Axpo is the main shareholder of Leibstadt.
No sanctions on nuclear energy
What does Axpo say? He does not know the details of individual transports. However, it cannot be excluded that the cargo will be sent to Beznau or Leibstadt. And: There are contractually regulated purchasing obligations with suppliers. Relevant deliveries cannot simply be refused without sanctions. In fact: nuclear energy is not subject to sanctions. Still, Axpo wants to make itself independent of Russian suppliers in the future.