Successful referendum: 125,000 signatures against new plants

Context

In short

• Over 125,000 signatures collected in 3 months
• Referendum against new nuclear power plants
• Possible vote on 28 February 2027

Key facts

• Number of signatures: 125,000
• Harvest period: 3 months
• Signature delivery date: 6 October
• Hypothetical voting date: 28 February 2027
• Counter-project: lifting of the ban on new power plants
• Coalition: Greens, PS, PVL, part of the Center, ATA, WWF, Greenpeace, ProNatura, Swissolar

The referendum committee announced this evening, confirming information already published on the Tages Anzeiger website, that more than 125,000 signatures have been collected in just three months to start a referendum against the construction of new nuclear power plants in Switzerland. The collection was defined as "a clear signal of popular rejection of the return of nuclear power", according to the coalition statement "No to new nuclear power plants". The document stresses that nuclear technology is “expensive and dangerous” and increases dependence on Russia for uranium.

Details of the signature collection

The committee specified that the signatures will be delivered to the Federal Chancellery on 6 October. If the collection is declared valid, those entitled to vote will be able to express their opinion on the legislative change already scheduled for 28 February 2027. The coalition recalls that, in the summer session, the Federal Chambers approved the Federal Council's indirect counter-proposal to the popular initiative "Electricity at all times for all (Stop the blackout)", which provides for the lifting of the ban on building new nuclear power plants. The coalition accuses the Federal Council and Parliament of "ignoring the will of the people".

The committee also recalls three previous popular decisions in favor of renewable energy: the adoption of the Energy Strategy 2050 in 2017, the Climate Protection Act in 2023 and the Electricity Act in 2024. According to the initiators, Switzerland is already covering an increasing share of its energy needs with local solar, wind and hydropower, while the costs and risks of nuclear power are considered "too high". The coalition is made up of green and centre-left parties, as well as around thirty environmental organisations, including the Traffic and Environment Association (ATA), the WWF, Greenpeace, ProNatura and Swissolar.

Operational details

The practical consequences of a successful referendum result are relevant for all Swiss citizens and businesses. If the legislative amendment is approved, Switzerland will have to remain faithful to the ban on building new nuclear power plants, consolidating its dependence on renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric. This entails a strengthening of investments in grid infrastructure to manage the variability of renewable production, with potential impacts on electricity costs for households and businesses.

Comparison with the current situation

Currently, the Federal Council has already initiated a counter-project that revokes the ban, opening the door to new nuclear construction. A vote in favour of the referendum would mean a reversal: Switzerland will return to a policy of shutting down nuclear power, as set out in the Energy Strategy 2050 and recent laws on climate protection and electricity. In practice, companies will have to adapt investment plans, giving up any nuclear projects and focusing on renewable sources. Cantonal authorities, which manage incentives for green energy, could see higher demand for contributions and permits for solar and wind plants.

Possible scenarios

• Scenario A – Approved Referendum: Ban remains; uranium imports, particularly from Russia, will not increase.

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

For those who wish to closely follow the developments of the referendum, it is essential to know the operational milestones and deadlines. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Check the submission of signatures – On October 6, the signatures will be deposited with the Federal Chancellery. You can verify the official confirmation on the Chancellery’s website or via Federal Council press releases. 2. Monitor the declaration of validity – After submission, the competent office will assess the correctness of the signatures. If declared valid, the vote will be scheduled for February 28, 2027. 3. Inform yourself about the content of the legislative amendment – The proposal concerns the repeal of the ban on building new nuclear power plants. The legal texts will be available on the Federal Parliament portal; it is advisable to read them to understand the legal implications. 4. Prepare for voting participation – Citizens residing in Switzerland must ensure their voter registration is up to date. Those residing abroad must verify their status with the electoral office of their home canton. 5. Assess the personal impact – If you are an employee of an energy company or a consumer attentive to electricity costs, keep an eye on communications from cantonal authorities regarding potential incentives or tariffs. 6. Use the site's tools – To evaluate the effect of a possible change on your net earnings, try our salary calculator. By entering your gross salary, you can see how potential changes in energy costs will affect your disposable income.

⚠️ Key deadlines – October 6, 2024: signature submission; February 28, 2027: hypothetical voting date. In the meantime, stay updated through the official channels of the Federal Council and national media. If you wish to explore tax implications or the relationship between energy and the cost of living, visit the dedicated sections on our portal.

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Source: tio.ch