Federal Council decides to gradually phase out nuclear energy as part of its new energy strategy
Berne, 25.5.2011 - The Federal Council intends to continue to safeguard Switzerland's high level of energy security although without nuclear energy in the medium term. That was the decision taken at its special meeting today. Existing nuclear power plants should be decommissioned at the end of their operational lifespan and not be replaced by new nuclear power plants. In order to ensure the security of supply, the Federal Council, as part of its new Energy Strategy 2050, is placing emphasis on increased energy savings (energy efficiency), the expansion of hydropower and new renewable energies, and, if necessary, on fossil fuel-based electricity production (cogeneration facilities, gas-fired combined-cycle power plants) and imports. Furthermore, Switzerland’s power grid should be expanded without delay and energy research strengthened.