A new nuclear power plant would take 15 years to complete

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In 2017, 58 percent of the Swiss voted yes to the ban on the construction of new nuclear power plants. Almost six years later, the tide seems to be turning. According to a survey by the Sotomo research institute commissioned by Blick, 56 percent are in favor of planning new nuclear power plants in Switzerland to secure electricity supplies.

This attitude has long since permeated politics. As part of the deliberations on the so-called general decision for the future power supply, which starts Monday in the National Council, FDP National Councilor Christian Wasserfallen (41) is demanding that the ban on new nuclear power plants be lifted. FDP and SVP circles have also launched a popular initiative for this purpose. With Minister of Energy Albert Rösti (55, SVP), proponents of nuclear energy can hope for support from the highest level.

Nobody wants to build anymore

However, it would be decades before a new nuclear power plant could be connected to the grid. Even if Wasserfallen triumphs, there would be a referendum. It is certain that the Left-Green will hold the referendum.

If that is not possible, it needs an energy company that wants to build a new nuclear power plant. So far, Axpo, Alpiq and BKW have refrained from this – too expensive, not profitable enough. However, persistently high electricity prices and subsidies can change the cost-benefit ratio.

In that case, an interested party would have to submit a general license application. The authorities should check this, there could be objections.

15 years for planning and construction

A concrete example shows how long it takes to build a nuclear power plant: In 2008, BKW, the operator of the now decommissioned power plant in Mühleberg BE, submitted an application for a new nuclear power plant on the same site.

If everything had gone normally, this would now be under construction on the banks of the Aare. As BKW Blick recently said when asked, their experts at the time assumed that the new nuclear plant “could at best produce electricity for the first time in 2023 at the earliest, but realistically more likely in 2025.”.

Converted to today: If the construction of nuclear power plants were allowed again and if an interested party submits an application in 2025 – it is almost impossible before 2040 – the reactor will hardly be connected to the grid before 2040. That’s how long experts calculate for planning and construction. (sf)

Source:Blick