More power companies, little desire to build nuclear power plants (cross-border guide)

Context

More power companies, little desire to build nuclear power plants in Switzerland

The lifting of the ban on the construction of nuclear power plants in Bern, announced a few days ago, has aroused interest among the main Swiss energy groups. However, at present, there is no company willing to take on an atomic project. The company BKW, for example, stated that the framework conditions for a new nuclear power plant do not currently exist for economic reasons and in view of the lack of stable social acceptance.

In Switzerland, the nuclear sector has always been a reliable source of clean energy, but the recent lifting of the ban could lead to a significant decline in the supply of renewable energy. Elmar Egerer, a member of the Swiss Energy Confederation, said that "lifting the ban could lead to an increase in energy prices and a slowdown in the penetration of photovoltaics and renewable energy."

According to a recent survey conducted by the Federal Office of Statistics on Research and Technologies (SERAT), only 12% of Swiss voters would be willing to pay more for renewable energy, while 5% would be willing to pay less. This gap could be a major obstacle for energy companies entering the nuclear world.

In addition, the company EQT, the largest multinational

Operational details

In Switzerland, the framework conditions for the construction of new nuclear power plants are not currently present, an obstacle that represents a significant hurdle for energy companies. Following the study published by the Federal Polytechnic of Zurich (ETH) and the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), it was found that the construction of new nuclear plants is not profitable under current framework conditions.

In detail, the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich and the Paul Scherrer Institute have analysed the costs and burdens involved in the construction of a nuclear power plant. The results revealed that the construction of new nuclear power plants is no more cost-effective than alternative energy sources, such as renewable energy production.

According to the data collected, the production of renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal and hydroelectric) is cheaper than nuclear power. For example, the Olkiluoto II nuclear power plant in Finland has a production cost of 100 euros per megawatt-hour, while photovoltaics has a production cost of 50 euros per megawatt-hour.

To address this obstacle, Swiss energy companies could take a number of measures to improve the competitiveness of nuclear power production. For example, companies could improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and improve the safety of nuclear power plants.

In addition, the Swiss authorities could

Useful tools to protect your net income

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

Key points

OF MULTIPLE POWER COMPANIES, FEW TIMES TO BUILD NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL

The Swiss energy sector is experiencing some turmoil, with a growing number of companies entering the market and a low propensity to build nuclear power plants. According to the renewable energy company BKW, the number of companies involved in renewable energy production has tripled in recent years, while the participation of the nuclear sector has remained almost unchanged.

THE FEDERAL COUNCIL LIVE

The Federal Council, the Swiss executive, has pledged to provide state support for the construction of new nuclear power plants. However, the 2014 referendum lifted the ban on the construction of nuclear power plants, leaving the decision to a future constituent assembly, which may not be convened until 2026. This means that state support may not be guaranteed before this date arrives.

THE REFERENDUM AGAINST REVOCATION

The lifting of the ban on the construction of nuclear power plants has provoked much discussion and opposition from many citizens and environmental activists. A recent poll showed that most voters oppose lifting the ban, while the government argues that Switzerland's current nuclear power is safe and sustainable.

THE COST OF NUCLEAR POWER

According to an energy skepticism report, energy

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

Source: swissinfo.ch