Swiss nuclear power plants can be operated for as long as they meet the legal safety requirements. The indefinite operating licenses combined with the requirements for the safety of nuclear facilities lead to continuous retrofitting and adaptation to the latest state of the art. The safety standards of Swiss nuclear power plants are therefore among the highest in the world.
Long-term operation is when a plant is operated for longer than was originally technically defined. The long-term operation of Swiss nuclear power plants is of the utmost importance for the country's energy supply, especially in the cold winter months. The existing plants produce around the clock and, together with hydropower, form the backbone of Switzerland's electricity supply.
The operators of the Beznau, Gösgen and Leibstadt nuclear power plants are ensuring that nuclear energy will continue to make its contribution to a reliable supply of electricity in the coming decades by carrying out continuous upgrades.
A limited operating time for nuclear power plants:
A time limit means in particular:
Thanks to careful and extensive retrofitting, Swiss nuclear power plants have almost reached the safety level of new plants - an internationally outstanding track record. The Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI) regularly inspects the condition of the plants by law and can order upgrades or even the temporary decommissioning of the plant at any time if there are doubts about safety.
The proof of safety required for long-term operation is regulated by the Swiss Federal Nuclear Inspectorate (ENSI). The following points, among others, are set out in the corresponding directive:
Yes, because safety is at the heart of this system. The protection of people and the environment through safe nuclear plants is a concern shared by all. The recognized high level of safety of Swiss nuclear power plants is based on:
Swiss nuclear energy legislation does not provide for any lifetime limits for nuclear power plants. However, an unlimited operating license does not mean unlimited operation. A nuclear power plant may be operated as long as it meets the legal safety requirements. The operator is responsible for the safety of its plant. The supervisory authority, the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI), monitors the plants on a permanent basis and can order a shutdown if safety is no longer assured.
Yes, the USA and Belgium, for example, are familiar with the political limitation of the operating life of nuclear power plants.