Switzerland should publish a roadmap that details concrete steps leading to the construction of new nuclear power plants as it faces up to the “colossal” challenges linked to security of electricity supply and the fight against climate change, industry group the Swiss Nuclear Forum has said.

In a white paper (French) that indicates a possible path the continued use of nuclear energy in Switzerland, the forum says bans of certain types of technology will do nothing to guarantee Switzerland’s electricity supply.

The paper calls for a scenario to be developed for the deployment of small modular reactors and says skills in the nuclear sector need to be maintained with a view to long-term operation of existing nuclear plants and “new developments”.