Investments needed for technical upgrades for long-term operation ‘would probably be worthwhile’
The operational life of two Swiss nuclear power plants could be extended from 60 years to 80, according to a new government report.
Until now, it was considered economically feasible to run the Gösgen plant in canton Solothurn, northern Switzerland, and the Leibstadt plant in canton Aargau, also in the north of the country, for only 60 years.
But the new government report, ordered by a Senate request, has potentially breathed new life into nuclear power in Switzerland.
The report concludes that it would be both technically feasible, and for the large part, economically viable to run Gösgen and Leibstadt for a further 20 years than previously thought possible.
The report concluded that the investments required for technical upgrades for long-term operation would probably be worthwhile. The government does not currently consider financial support for long-term operation to be necessary.
According to the report, extending the operation of the two plants up to 80 years is technically feasible and economically viable, with investments needed of between CHF700m (€766m, $891m) and CHF1.2bn. The report said no state financial support would be necessary.
The report warned that the profitability of extending operation beyond 60 years depends on electricity market prices and investment costs. It said high current electricity market prices support the amortisation of investments.
The report said that if “profitability issues” arise, potential financial support measures include contracts for difference or state-backed investment contributions.
According to the report, Swiss nuclear electricity production in 2024 was about 23 TWh, or 30% of domestic output, with nuclear contributing 36% in winter.
Long-term operation of existing plants and renewable energy expansion are “crucial” to reduce winter import dependence, the report said.
It added that building new nuclear capacity could mitigate risks if renewable development is insufficient or shortages occur.
Gösgen is a 1,010 MW pressurised water reactor unit that began commercial operation in November 1979. Leibstadt is a 1,233 MW boiling water reactor unit that began commercial operation in December 1984. Switzerland has four nuclear plants in operation. The other two are Beznau-1 and Beznau-2.
Background: Upper House Supports Lifting Of Ban
Switzerland’s upper house of parliament recently supported lifting the country’s existing ban on building new nuclear.
The proposal, which would reverse the nuclear phaseout policy endorsed by voters in 2017, must still be approved by the lower house and is widely expected to be put to a national referendum.
Despite a long tradition of nuclear power production, Switzerland voted in 2017 to no longer allow construction of new nuclear power plants. That law was the result of a long process initiated after the 2011 Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear accident in Japan.
However, there is no clear timetable for shutdowns, and the country’s four nuclear units can remain operational as long as they meet legal safety requirements.
Switzerland’s nuclear operators have said they are considering keeping nuclear plants in use longer than previously expected over fears of electricity shortages.
The single-unit Mühleberg nuclear power plant was the first large-scale plant to be taken offline in Switzerland, ending generation after 47 years in operation on 20 December 2019.
The Leibstadt nuclear power plant could operate for 80 years. Courtesy Alpiq.
