Costs and financing

Over the long term, the funds have performed in line with the target amount defined by the authorities. Thanks to the five-yearly cost studies, the adjustment of the annual contributions paid by the owners of the nuclear facilities as required and a responsible investment strategy, they are on track.

The cost studies are carried out with due caution and to the best of our expertise and in light of current knowledge. This also includes assumptions about the timing of future costs and the estimation of any risk-related costs. The inevitable uncertainties in forecasting are also taken into account in the estimate. All these cost estimates are supported by the fact that the level of technical knowledge and international experience in decommissioning and waste disposal projects is constantly growing. The uncertainties, on the other hand, are steadily decreasing. Furthermore, the cost studies are updated every five years. The cost risk therefore becomes smaller and smaller over time.

If unforeseen additional costs nevertheless arise, the owners of the nuclear facilities bear the risk. If one owner becomes insolvent, the other owners are required by law to make additional contributions. The government is at the end of the five-tier-cost-bearing cascade. Only when these additional contributions are not economically viable for an owner does the Federal Assembly decide whether, and to what extent, the federal government should contribute towards the costs.