Which professions are most at risk?

Masons, electricians specialising in photovoltaics, thermal insulation technicians and workers in the installation of renewable energy systems. Sectors related to the energy efficiency of buildings.

Is the referendum safe in 2027?

The opposition coalition launched the referendum, but dates and final wording must be confirmed. The vote is likely in February 2027 according to government sources.

What happens if the 'yes' to nuclear wins?

The construction ban would be repealed, allowing new power plant projects. According to the ZHAW study, 5,800-9,500 jobs in construction and renewables would be lost within 5 years.

The return of Swiss nuclear power threatens thousands of construction jobs (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on 21 July 2026

A ZHAW study warns: new nuclear power plants put 5,800-9,500 construction and renewable uses at risk within 5 years

Context

In a nutshell

A ZHAW study estimates 7,000 places at risk only in Ticino (out of 5,800-9,500 national) in construction and renewables within 5 years if Swiss nuclear starts up again
In 10 years, the number of threatened jobs rises to 10,600 (of which 8,500 in Ticino)
New jobs in power plants (estimated 1,200 units) would not compensate for losses due to dependence on foreign skills
58% of Swiss had rejected new plants in 2017, likely referendum in 2027

Key facts

What : Study on the employment impact of new nuclear power plants
Who: ZHAW University School Zurich
Sectors at risk: Construction (60% of places at risk) and renewable energy (40%)
Threatened places : 5'800-9'500 (5 years), up to 10'600 (10 years) nationwide
Ticino: 7,000 people at risk in 5 years (8,500 in 10 years), concentrated in the districts of Lugano, Bellinzona and Locarno
Referendum: Popular vote likely February 2027
Regulations: Amendment of the Energy Law (LENE) 2023, art. 12a (repeal of the construction prohibition)
Investments: CHF 2.2 billion per year diverted from photovoltaic to nuclear (ZHAW estimate)

"Each franc invested in nuclear subtracts 3 francs from renewables and building redevelopment, sectors that are labour-intensive on the border" (ZHAW Report, 2024)

The possible authorization to build new nuclear power plants in Switzerland concretely threatens 7,000 border jobs in Ticino within 5 years,

Operational details

Why nuclear power is damaging Ticino's buildings

Construction is one of the key sectors for border workers in Ticino: according to USTAT 2023 data, it employs 12'345 cross-border workers (15.2% of the total). In Lugano and Bellinzona, 38% of active construction sites concern energy redevelopment, driven by cantonal incentives such as the 2024 Buildings Programme (CHF 45 million for subsidies). Photovoltaics, with 18 MW installed in 2023 (+22% per year), has created 850 direct jobs in companies such as Repower and Romande Energie, which hire electricians and border fitters.

If public and private funds were diverted to nuclear, projects such as the renovation of 2,500 condominiums in Locarno (cantonal plan 2025-2030) would risk cuts. For frontier workers:

18-22% reduction in bids for masons and thermal insulators (SUPSI estimates)
Forward instead of indeterminate contracts for 60% of photovoltaic technicians
30% increase in competition for residual seats (OCST data)

“Decade-long plant construction times would create an immediate depressive effect on sectors already slowing post-Covid” (Prof. ZHAW, 2024 report).

What changes for border workers

With 43% of border workers (26,800 people) employed in construction and renewables (SECO, Q1 2024), the impact is critical. In Mendrisio, 320 workers specialising in thermal coats would see their annual contracts reduced. In Chiasso, companies like Vaillant and Daikin have already frozen

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

What border workers can do now

As the 2027 referendum nears, cross-border workers have concrete options:

1. Monitor cantonal investments : Ticino maintains incentives for renewables and sustainable construction despite federal policy. In 2023, the Department of Finance and Economy (DFE) allocated CHF 150 million for photovoltaic projects and energy upgrades. Check DFE tenders (e.g. 2024 program for solar subsidies in Bellinzona and Locarno: 30% contribution up to CHF 5,000 per installation).

2. Upgrading skills: Courses in energy efficiency or innovative building technologies remain strategic. The Energy Office of the Canton of Ticino offers subsidies of up to 50% for certified trainings (fund 2025: CHF 2 million). Priority courses in Lugano and Mendrisio on heat pumps and low-impact materials.

3. Diversify sectors: Evaluate opportunities in complementary areas. Civil engineering (+5.2% posts 2023-2024, USI source) and industrial maintenance (+3.8%) offer stability. Examples: contracts with CFF for railway infrastructure or Holcim for sustainable materials.

4. Follow the referendum process: Vote confirmed for June 2027. Border workers resident in Switzerland are registered by municipality; for Italians, specific agreements with border municipalities (e.g. Como and Varese). See the federal portal for forms.

"Each franc cut to renewables costs three

Discover Ticino job offers updated daily: 4,000+ positions from Swiss companies hiring cross-border workers.

Source: tvsvizzera.it

Frequently Asked Questions

Which professions are most at risk?: Masons, electricians specialising in photovoltaics, thermal insulation technicians and workers in the installation of renewable energy systems. Sectors related to the energy efficiency of buildings.
Is the referendum safe in 2027?: The opposition coalition launched the referendum, but dates and final wording must be confirmed. The vote is likely in February 2027 according to government sources.
What happens if the 'yes' to nuclear wins?: The construction ban would be repealed, allowing new power plant projects. According to the ZHAW study, 5,800-9,500 jobs in construction and renewables would be lost within 5 years.