Cern goes into hibernation earlier. The large nuclear research facility, located in Geneva, is taking energy-saving measures.
Even in normal years, the electricity bill of the research facility is high. The world’s largest particle accelerator uses about 1.3 terawatt hours per year, almost half as much as the entire city of Geneva uses per year. Due to the increased electricity prices, it will be a lot more expensive this year. The organization has therefore decided to switch off the system at the end of the year, two weeks earlier than usual, on November 28.
Measurements postponed
As the journal Nature writes, the factory is due to start up again at the end of February next year, but by 2023, operations will be reduced by a fifth. The decision came after French electricity supplier Électricité de France (EDF) asked the research lab to reduce its electricity consumption. If energy consumption needs to be further reduced in the coming months, there are additional savings plans.
Affected researchers, who had been planning to use the facility for the past two weeks, will have to postpone their measurements. There will also be fewer research shifts next year.
Affected all over Europe
According to “Nature”, the electricity cost this year is about CHF 88.5 million. Research institutions across Europe are saving electricity this winter. (lazy)