More nuclear power plants put thousands of jobs at risk, ZHAW (cross-border guide)

Context

In short - A recent study by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) indicates that the construction of new nuclear power plants would put thousands of jobs at risk in the construction and renewable energy sectors. - The authors of the research argue that simply repealing the ban on the construction of new nuclear power plants, without other measures, would put 5,800 to 9,500 jobs in the photovoltaic and construction sectors at risk over the next five years. ## Key facts - What: construction of new nuclear power plants - When: next five years - Where: construction and renewable energy sectors - Who: Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) - Amount: 5800 to 9500 jobs at risk The construction of a new nuclear power plant would create new jobs, but would not be able to compensate for the jobs at risk in the photovoltaic and construction sectors. The authors of the research argue that an energy and climate policy focused on renewable energy and building renovation is better not only from an ecological point of view, but also from an employment point of view. According to the report, the construction of a new nuclear power plant would create around 500 direct and indirect jobs, but these would be insufficient to compensate for the 5,800 jobs at risk in the photovoltaic and construction sectors. In addition, the construction The construction of new nuclear power plants would put thousands of jobs at risk in the construction and renewable energy sectors. Swiss energy and climate policy has been criticised for its lack of ambition and long-term vision. ZHAW's research highlights that Switzerland is not doing enough to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to meet internationally established climate targets. Promoting renewable energy and building renovation could be seen as a more effective and sustainable solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create new jobs.

Operational details

More nuclear power plants put thousands of jobs at risk, ZHAW

The construction of a new nuclear power plant could create new jobs, but it would not be able to compensate for the jobs at risk in the photovoltaic and construction sectors. The authors of the research argue that an energy and climate policy focused on renewable energy and building renovation is better not only from an ecological point of view, but also from an employment point of view.

According to ZHAW data, the construction of a new nuclear power plant could create up to 1,500 jobs during the construction phase, but only for a period of about 5-7 years. However, jobs at risk in the photovoltaic and construction sectors are many and could exceed 10,000 jobs at risk in the Canton of Ticino and the Canton of Graubünden.

The authors of the research argue that an energy and climate policy focused on renewable energy and building renovation could create up to 20,000 jobs in the photovoltaic and construction sector in the Canton of Ticino and the Canton of Graubünden. In addition, this policy could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2030.

The Swiss Confederation has allocated 10 billion francs for the renovation of buildings by 2030. The ZHAW has calculated that this amount could create up to 40,000 jobs in the

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Key points

More nuclear power plants put thousands of jobs at risk, ZHAW

To avoid putting thousands of jobs at risk, it is important to continue supporting renewable energy and building renovation. This can be done through the creation of support programs for companies dealing with renewable energy and building renovation, as well as through the promotion of energy and climate policies that encourage the use of renewable energy.

According to a report by the ZHAW (Federal Polytechnic School of Zurich), the renewable energy industry in Switzerland already today creates about 34,000 direct and indirect jobs, with a contribution of about 5.5 billion Swiss francs to the country's GDP (Gross Domestic Product). 📊

However, if nuclear power production were to increase, this could put these jobs and the economic growth of the sector at risk. The construction of new nuclear power plants would require huge investments and could also lead to increased energy costs for end users.

Instead of focusing on nuclear, Switzerland should continue to support renewable energy and building renovation. This can be done through the creation of support programs for companies dealing with renewable energy and building renovation, as well as through the promotion of energy and climate policies that

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Source: swissinfo.ch