Switzerland has made the decision to prolong the life of its four nuclear power plants as long as they can maintain their safety. The four NPPs account for 40% of the country’s electricity. While the country held a referendum in 2017 for phasing-out nuclear power, the current energy insecurity has prompted a rethinking, to avoid a huge black hole in the country’s energy supply. Furthermore, it is said the potential for expanding so-called renewables has been exhausted.
NPP operators Axpo Holding AG and Alpiq Holding AG have already prepared to extend the lifespan of their plants to 60 years from 50, the companies told Bloomberg. While they will now be operating until around 2040, they are now looking into extending their life-span to 80 years.
