Switzerland's federal parliament has voted to overturn a ban on constructing new nuclear power plants, a decision that effectively sends the contentious issue back to the electorate. The lower house joined the upper chamber on Thursday in backing a government proposal to scrap the 2018 prohibition, which had been enacted following a 2017 referendum won by anti-nuclear campaigners.
Energy Minister Albert Rosti, during parliamentary debates, stressed the necessity of keeping the nuclear option open to guarantee the country's long-term energy supply. Both chambers stipulated that authorisation for new plants would only be granted if financing is secured.
Referendum Looms
Under Switzerland's system of direct democracy, the law is now subject to a potential referendum. A broad coalition of groups, led by the Green Party, has announced it will launch a challenge. Greens president Lisa Mazzone condemned the parliamentary vote, stating it "sabotages the rapid development of renewable energies, climate protection and our energy sovereignty."
To trigger a referendum, 50,000 valid signatures must be collected within 100 days of the law's publication—a threshold the coalition is expected to meet. Signature collection is set to begin this month.
Energy Security and Net-Zero Goals
The Swiss government has been pushing since 2024 to reverse the ban, citing the growing need for domestic low-carbon electricity to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050. Officials also point to fears of supply disruptions linked to global events, such as the US-Iran tensions and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as well as Switzerland's reliance on electricity imports during winter months.
The government's proposal argues that allowing new nuclear plants would "create an insurance policy for electricity supply" in case renewable energies prove insufficient or if no other climate-friendly solutions emerge to guarantee production.
Existing Reactors and Phase-Out History
Switzerland currently operates four nuclear reactors, all dating from the 20th century. Beznau 1, commissioned in 1969, is the oldest functioning reactor in Europe and is slated to cease operations in 2033. Beznau 2, connected to the grid in 1971, will close a year earlier in 2032. The Gösgen and Leibstadt plants began operations in 1979 and 1984, respectively.
The 2017 referendum that initiated the phase-out was itself a response to the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, which was triggered by a tsunami. The new parliamentary decision marks a significant shift in Swiss energy policy, though the final word now rests with voters.
For context on broader European nuclear developments, see our coverage of Rolls-Royce's plans to build small reactors in Sweden and Finland's recent nuclear policy shift.
