Switzerland to Use Nuclear Energy Longer Than Expected
- Operators prolonged reactors’ lifespan to 60 years, now eye 80
- France, Belgium, Finland, Romania also looking into extensions
The Goesgen nuclear power plant near Daeniken, Switzerland.
Photographer: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images
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Switzerland plans keeping nuclear plants in use longer than previously expected over fears of electricity shortages, mirroring a broader trend of European countries revisiting the potential of atomic energy.
The country decided to exit nuclear power in 2017, but didn’t set a date to shut down its four plants, which are supposed to run as long as deemed safe. Operators Axpo Holding AG and Alpiq Holding AG have already boosted the planned lifespan for their plants to 60 years from a previous target of 50, spokespeople for the companies told Bloomberg. That would see them operating until around 2040.