Swiss People Say 'No' to New Nuclear Power Plants

On Sunday, the people of Switzerland voted against the construction of new nuclear power plants in the country. This decision aligns with a strategy to reduce energy consumption and increase electricity production from wind and solar sources. According to reports, nearly 58.2% of voters in the survey on Sunday, May 21, supported the ban on the construction of new nuclear power plants. Nevertheless, five active plants will remain operational until their safety is confirmed. Previously, Germany had also decided to shut down all 17 of its nuclear reactors by 2022 following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan in 2011. Last week, Emmanuel Macron, the new President of France, announced his commitment to expanding nuclear power plants, but the appointment of Nicholas Holt, a critic of nuclear programs, as the country's energy minister raised questions about the president's commitment. Electricity production in Switzerland is mainly dependent on hydroelectric power plants, but nuclear plants also produce about one-third of the country's electricity. Last November, the people of Switzerland voted against a plan to eliminate all nuclear power plants by 2029, which was supposed to see the first plant decommissioned next year. Environmental groups have widely supported the new government strategy confirmed on Sunday. According to the president of the Swiss Green Liberal Party, the decision to reduce nuclear power plants is 'one of the most important demands' of this party, which will increase domestic energy production and investment in this industry. The Swiss government has stated that improving safety standards means that building new plants is no longer cost-effective, referencing the $18 billion plants in the UK, which will largely depend on public subsidies. On the other hand, opponents have warned that this plan will be costly and jeopardize energy security. Switzerland's new strategy also includes targets for further reducing carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles, as well as reducing energy and electricity consumption. Future electricity production from renewable sources such as wind and water will be in line with preserving the national interests of the country. Financial support for energy efficiency improvement projects in buildings will also be strengthened in the future. Other European countries such as Denmark, Italy, and Germany have also taken similar steps towards changing energy policies, but none have succeeded in garnering public votes in this matter, which distinguishes Switzerland from other countries. Analysts believe that exactly when Switzerland will phase out nuclear power depends on whether energy market prices justify investment in existing plants. In any case, this is unlikely to happen before 2030.