On September 24 and 25, 70 delegates from 25 countries discussed key industry issues at a conference of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) in Zurich on September 24 and 25 to discuss key industry issues and the performance targets to be achieved by 2030.
Olten, 29.09.2025 - Last Wednesday and Thursday (September 24 and 25), executives from nuclear power plants and energy suppliers from all over the world met in Zurich for the sixth World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) Conference of Power Plant Managers and Directors. Around 70 delegates from 25 countries and managers from the Swiss nuclear energy sector and WANO exchanged views on common challenges and best practices.
Chigusa and Meinecke emphasize responsibility for safety and reliability
Dr. Naoki Chigusa,Chief Executive Officer of WANO, opened the conference together with Herbert Meinecke, Head of the Gösgen nuclear power plant and WANO Governor for Switzerland. In his opening speech, the latter emphasized the role of nuclear energy in the context of climate protection and sustainability. He also emphasized the responsibility of those present for the safe and reliable operation of their plants. In his address, N. Chigusa focused on the importance and influence of the managers present on shaping safety culture and compliance with industry standards.
Focus on key topics and industry targets up to 2030
During the two-day event, executives from nuclear power plants and WANO gave presentations on significant developments and events in the nuclear energy industry, strengthening a culture of continuous improvement, the effectiveness of leadership in the nuclear sector and other topics. In particular, the event also provided an opportunity to take a look at the targets adopted in 2019, which are to be achieved by all WANO member plants by 2030. In this context, the managers present emphasized the importance of the conference as a milestone on the way to achieving the targets set.
swissnuclear Managing Director delighted with successful conference
During the two-day event, executives from nuclear power plants and WANO gave presentations on significant developments and events in the nuclear energy industry, strengthening a culture of continuous improvement, the effectiveness of leadership in the nuclear sector and other topics. In particular, the event also provided an opportunity to take a look at the targets adopted in 2019, which are to be achieved by all WANO member plants by 2030. In this context, the managers present emphasized the importance of the conference as a milestone on the way to achieving the targets set.
For further information: Communication swissnuclear, medien@swissnuclear.ch.
Media release / Communiqué de presse / Comunicato stampa / Press release 29.09.2025
At the start of the fall semester 2025, 28 students began the Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering. The Swiss nuclear power plant operators and swissnuclear support the program and offer attractive opportunities for internships and career entry.
Olten, 24.09.2025 - At the start of this year's fall semester in September, 28 students began the Master's degree program in Nuclear Engineering at EPFL in Lausanne. Despite a temporary decline in student numbers in 2023, this confirms the continuing and increasing interest in the study program (see Fig. Development of student numbers on the Master's degree program in Nuclear Engineering). The Swiss nuclear power plant operators and swissnuclear welcome this development and are pleased with the increase in student numbers. They have been supporting the training program for years and offer students both internships and career entry opportunities.
Joint training program of EPFL and ETHZ since 2008
The Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering has been offered jointly by ETHZ and EPFL since the winter semester 2008/09. It focuses on topics such as reactor physics, nuclear power plant technologies and the safety of nuclear power plants. Master's students spend the first semester at EPFL, while the second takes place at ETHZ. In the further course of the Master's program, students spend time at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), complete an internship and write their Master's thesis.
Commitment and promotion of young talent in the Swiss nuclear energy sector
The Swiss nuclear energy industry is actively involved in various initiatives to encourage qualified young talent to enter the world of nuclear energy in Switzerland. One example of this is Axpo's young talent development program, which celebrated its third anniversary on 22 September in Baden. swissnuclear and the Swiss nuclear power plant operators had the opportunity to introduce themselves to the prospective nuclear engineers at the start of the program in Lausanne. They were also presented with opportunities for collaboration with the nuclear energy industry.
For further information: Communication swissnuclear, medien@swissnuclear.ch.
swissnuclear is the industry association of Swiss nuclear power plant operators (Axpo Power AG, BKW Energie AG, Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt AG and Kernkraftwerk Gösgen-Däniken AG) and represents their common interests. The majority of the member companies are publicly owned and generate around one third of domestic electricity production. swissnuclear supports Swiss nuclear plants in safe and sustainable operation and in the other phases of the life cycle and is committed to optimizing internal and external framework conditions. The association also promotes objective dialog on nuclear energy in the industry and society and coordinates activities across power plants. |
Media release / Communiqué de presse / Comunicato stampa / Press release 24.09.2025
At the last association meeting, the members of swissnuclear elected Stefan Klute as President. At the same time, Michael Kessler was welcomed as a new member of the board member. The 40-year history of the association was also commemorated.
Olten, 17.06.2025 - On June 16, the Extraordinary General Assembly of swissnuclear (sn) elected Stefan Klute as President. The graduate engineer joined BKW Energie AG in 2014 as overall project manager for the decommissioning of the Mühleberg nuclear power plant (KKM). Since the beginning of 2024, he has represented the Bern-based company on the sn Board as Head Business Unit Nuclear. In him, the Association of Swiss Nuclear Power Plant Operators has gained an experienced leader as President who has made a name for himself with the ongoing dismantling of the KKM. His experience in the implementation of this project and his commitment in the areas of interim storage and disposal as well as other strategic projects are extremely valuable for the association.
Kessler succeeds Schmidiger
Michael Kessler was elected to the sn Board of Directors as Roland Schmidiger's successor at the association meeting. As Head of Axpo's Nuclear Energy Division and Chairman of the Executive Board of Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt AG (KKL), he represents Axpo and KKL on the Board. Roland Schmidiger relinquished the operational management of the
Nuclear Division at the beginning of May for health reasons. His commitment as President and Board member was recognized and thanked at the Association's Annual General Meeting. As Senior Nuclear Consultant at Axpo, he will continue to support the association in connection with strategic projects.
40 years of association history
The Nuclear Energy Subcommittee, the predecessor organization of the current association, was founded in 1985. Until 2017, the latter was a specialist group of swisselectric, the former association of Swiss electricity network companies, and has been based in Olten since 2003. At the association's meeting, the Board of Directors paid tribute to the history of the association and the work carried out on behalf of Swiss nuclear energy since 1985.
For further information: Communication swissnuclear, medien@swissnuclear.ch.
swissnuclear is the industry association of Swiss nuclear power plant operators (Axpo Power AG, BKW Energie AG, Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt AG and Kernkraftwerk Gösgen-Däniken AG) and represents their common interests. The majority of the member companies are publicly owned and generate around one third of domestic electricity production. swissnuclear supports Swiss nuclear plants in safe and sustainable operation and in the other phases of the life cycle and is committed to optimizing internal and external framework conditions. The association also promotes objective dialog on nuclear energy in the industry and society and coordinates activities across power plants. |
Press release / Communiqué de presse / Comunicato stampa / Press release 17.06.2025
swissnuclear welcomes the Federal Council's proposal to lift the ban on new construction for nuclear power plants as a first step in the right direction. At the same time, however the importance of existing nuclear power plants for the security of supply. Improving the framework conditions for the long-term operation of the plants should therefore be included as a central component of the proposal.
Olten, April 3, 2025 - swissnuclear welcomes the Federal Council's indirect counter-proposal to the popular initiative "Electricity for all at all times". In view of the implementation of energy, environmental and climate policy and the expected increase in electricity demand, the association supports the proposed lifting of the ban on the construction of new nuclear power plants. The technological openness propagated by the counter-proposal is a sensible option for effectively meeting future challenges in the area of Switzerland's energy supply.
Importance of long-term operation for Switzerland's security of supply
The existing Swiss nuclear power plants currently produce around a third of the country's electricity. Particularly in the winter months, nuclear energy is the foundation of Switzerland's electricity supply. The long-term operation of the existing nuclear power plants is therefore an important prerequisite for maintaining security of supply. This benefits not only Switzerland as a business location, but also the environmental and climate policy set out by politicians and society. Lifting the ban on new construction is an important step in the long term, but improved framework conditions for the long-term operation of Swiss nuclear power plants are just as important in the short to medium term.
Without long-term operation, a new building will be very difficult
The long-term operation of existing nuclear power plants is also fundamental in terms of the associated retention of expertise for any future new construction. For the employees of the plants, the re-inclusion of nuclear power in the Federal Council's energy strategy is not only a sign of appreciation for the work they have done to ensure security of supply. In particular, it is also an important signal for the recruitment of new specialist and management personnel. Without sufficient qualified specialists and the experience gained from the long-term operation of existing plants and their supply chains, a new build would also be an extremely challenging undertaking from a personnel and logistical perspective.
For further information: Communication swissnuclear, medien@swissnuclear.ch.
swissnuclear is the industry association of Swiss nuclear power plant operators (Axpo Power AG, BKW Energie AG, Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt AG and Kernkraftwerk Gösgen-Däniken AG) and represents their common interests. The majority of the member companies are publicly owned and generate around one third of domestic electricity production. swissnuclear supports Swiss nuclear plants in safe and sustainable operation and in the other phases of the life cycle and is committed to optimizing internal and external framework conditions. The association also promotes objective dialog on nuclear energy in the industry and society and coordinates activities across power plants. |
The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) has recognized the achievements of Swiss nuclear power plants. nuclear power plants. All plants already meet the safety and availability targets set by WANO by 2030 in terms of safety and availability.
Olten, November 12, 2024 - The achievements of the Beznau, Gösgen and Leibstadt nuclear power plants were recognized at the WANO Annual General Meeting, which takes place every two years. The meeting took place from September 28 to October 1 in Abu Dhabi (UAE). The high level of safety and the very good availability of the Swiss plants in operation by global standards were emphasized. They already meet all the requirements that all nuclear power plants in the world are expected to achieve by 2030 according to WANO's objectives.
International cooperation for nuclear safety
The aim of the global association is to further increase the safety and availability of plants worldwide in the long term through mutual exchange and the adoption of best practices. Swiss nuclear power plant operators support this approach, exchange information on an ongoing basis, share their findings and learn from the experience of other WANO members. swissnuclear and its members are in contact with those responsible at various levels within the global association. In addition, the Swiss nuclear power plants send employees to Paris, where the organization's European headquarters are located, to support the global association.
Swiss nuclear power plants invest in safety and long-term operation
Protecting people and the environment is a top priority for Swiss nuclear power plant operators. They continuously invest in the safety of the plants and keep them at the cutting edge of technology. This is of central importance for the safe long-term operation of the plants and thus for the security of Switzerland's energy supply. Over the next ten years, the Leibstadt nuclear power plant, the youngest and most powerful plant in Switzerland, will invest CHF 1 billion
, while the Gösgen nuclear power plant will spend around CHF 500 million by 2029.
For further information: Communication swissnuclear, medien@swissnuclear.ch.
swissnuclear is the industry association of Swiss nuclear power plant operators (Axpo Power AG, BKW Energie AG, Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt AG and Kernkraftwerk Gösgen-Däniken AG) and represents their common interests. The majority of the member companies are publicly owned and generate around one third of domestic electricity production. swissnuclear supports Swiss nuclear plants in safe and sustainable operation and in the other phases of the life cycle and is committed to optimizing internal and external framework conditions. The association also promotes objective dialog on nuclear energy in the industry and society and coordinates activities across power plants. |
Media release / Communiqué de presse / Press release 12.11.2024
The Swiss nuclear power plants produced around 23.467 TWh of electricity in 2023 and once again proved to be a reliable pillar of the energy supply. Thanks to extensive investment and modernization, the plants will continue to make a decisive contribution to the country's security of supply in the future.
Olten, 23.02.2024 - Switzerland's nuclear power plants were once again characterized by high availability and safe, reliable electricity production last year. The reactors at the Beznau (KKB), Gösgen (KKG) and Leibstadt (KKL) nuclear power plants were in continuous operation, apart from the scheduled annual overhauls in the summer.
After setting a new production record in 2022, the KKL reached its third-highest production mark in 2023 since the start of continuous operation in 1984. Last year, the plant located on the Rhine produced as much electricity as is consumed by around 2 million households per year.
Reliable long-term operation thanks to modernizations
The KKL celebrates its 40th birthday in 2024. This means that Switzerland's youngest nuclear power plant will also be entering long-term operation. This is of central importance for security of supply and for the country's economic development. Modernization is essential to ensure that Swiss nuclear power plants continue to produce electricity safely, reliably and with low emissions in the future. The operators take this task seriously:
For further information: Communication swissnuclear, medien@swissnuclear.ch.
Swissnuclear is the industry association of Swiss nuclear power plant operators (Axpo Power AG, BKW Energie AG, Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt AG and Kernkraftwerk Gösgen-Däniken AG) and represents their common interests. The majority of the member companies are publicly owned and generate around one third of domestic electricity production. Swissnuclear supports Swiss nuclear plants in safe and sustainable operation and in the further phases of the life cycle and is committed to optimizing internal and external framework conditions. The association also promotes objective dialog on nuclear energy in the industry and society and coordinates activities across power plants. |
For further information:
Communication swissnuclear, medien@swissnuclear.ch.
The members of swissnuclear elected two new board members and Roland Schmidiger as association president at the last association meeting. The latter succeeded Philipp Hänggi at the beginning of 2024. swissnuclear also gained a new Managing Director in Roger Lundmark at the end of 2023.
Olten, 22.01.2024. Roland Schmidiger was elected President of swissnuclear (sn) at the association meeting on December 12, 2023. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since the beginning of 2023 and represents Axpo Power AG and Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt AG on the Board. In him, the Association of Swiss Nuclear Power Plant Operators has gained an experienced leader as President. Roland Schmidiger started his career at Axpo in 2005 as Head of Asset Management Nuclear and moved to the Beznau nuclear power plant in 2013 - first as Project Manager for major projects, then as Head of Department and Deputy Head of Power Plant and from 2020 as Head of Power Plant. Last year, Axpo finally appointed him Division Head Nuclear.
Philipp Hänggi, who stepped down as President at the end of 2023, had headed the association since 2019. The doctor of physics was a member of the sn Board of Directors from 2014 as a representative of BKW Energie AG. As the first Managing Director between 2003 and 2014, he played a key role in establishing the association, which became independent in 2017. His commitment was recognized and thanked at the association's general meeting in December.
New Board members and Roger Lundmark as Managing Director
Philipp Hänggi left the sn Board at the end of 2023 at the same time as handing over the chairmanship. As the new representative of BKW, the association meeting elected Stefan Klute, who as Head of Nuclear is responsible for the dismantling of the Mühleberg nuclear power plant and the company's nuclear portfolio. The Annual General Meeting also appointed Alexander Puhrer as a future member of the Board of Directors. He will take over as Managing Director of Kernkraftwerk Gösgen-Däniken AG on March 1, 2024, replacing Michaël Plaschy. The latter has been a member of the three-member board since 2009 and chaired the association from 2014 to 2019. As a member of the board, he was particularly committed to promoting research conducted by sn.
At the end of 2023, the sn office also gained a new head in Roger Lundmark. The physicist and long-standing head of the Power Plant Support department replaces Wolfgang Denk, who is taking over as Head of Strategic Projects at his own request. He will thus be responsible for central projects in the sector relating to deep geological repositories.
For further information:
Communication swissnuclear, medien@swissnuclear.ch.
With regard to future negotiations on possible compensation and indemnities in connection with the deep geological repository for radioactive waste, initial talks between the companies responsible for waste disposal and the siting municipalities and cantons are pending. The companies will approach the talks in a spirit of partnership and with an open mind.
Remuneration and compensation are voluntary payments made by the waste producers - nuclear power plant operators and the federal government - to the sites of the deep geological repository and the associated fuel element packaging facility. Payments and compensation are intended to recognize the contribution of the siting region to solving a national task: the disposal of all radioactive waste in Switzerland, both from the operation of nuclear power plants and from medicine, industry and research.
Establishing a sustainable partnership
In 2023, initial talks will take place between the companies responsible for waste disposal and the municipalities and cantons where the sites are located. The aim of this phase of talks is to get to know the partners, understand their needs and prepare for the negotiation phase. Among other things, it is also about how a sustainable, intergenerational solution and a cooperative neighborhood can be designed.
The discussion phase is followed in due course by a negotiation phase with the aim of reaching a mutually acceptable contractual arrangement. This regulation can only take effect once the general licenses have become legally binding. Based on current information, the Federal Council will be able to issue these permits from 2029.
Discussions on compensation and offsets take place independently of the general license procedure. This procedure is based solely on the application documents prepared by Nagra on the basis of technical and scientific criteria and regional project planning discussions. This is supplemented by expert opinions and statements.
Christian Schoenenberger becomes discussion leader
Swissnuclear is accompanying the talks on behalf of the operators of nuclear facilities subject to disposal obligations. For the talks and the preparation of the negotiation phase, swissnuclear would like to establish a cooperative relationship between all stakeholders from the outset. For this reason, swissnuclear has brought in Dr. Christian Schoenenberger to support the talks.
Christian Schoenenberger holds a doctorate in natural sciences from ETH Zurich and was in the Swiss diplomatic service from 1990 to 2022. As a representative of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Christian Schoenenberger was involved in various discussion processes and negotiations.
Swissnuclear is convinced that Christian Schoenenberger can contribute to a good understanding of the positions of the parties involved in the run-up to the negotiations. As the lead negotiator for the operators responsible for waste disposal, he will bring his many years of diplomatic experience to bear constructively on behalf of all parties.
For further information: Communication swissnuclear, Tel. 062 205 20 10, medien@swissnuclear.ch.
Media release swissnuclear_Talks on settlements and compensation (95 KB)
Following extensive scientific investigations, the National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste (Nagra) has designated the sites for the deep geological repository and the placement of the surface infrastructure. With the proposal of the Nördlich Lägern siting region and the Würenlingen interim storage facility (Zwilag), further steps towards a general license and the safe disposal of radioactive waste can be taken.
As part of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy's Sectoral Plan procedure for deep geological repositories, Nagra has developed site proposals for the deep geological repository and the spent fuel repackaging facility on the basis of comprehensive investigations. As Nagra announced today, Nördlich Lägern is the most suitable site for the deep geological repository and Zwilag is the optimal site for the repackaging facility.
Swissnuclear welcomes the announcement of the site proposals by Nagra. This represents an important milestone in the safe disposal of radioactive waste from Swiss nuclear power plants and waste from medicine, industry and research.
Next steps
The site proposals form the basis for the preparation of the application documents for the general license for the deep geological repository with its main above-ground and underground structures and for the packaging facilities. The general license process is prescribed in the Nuclear Energy Act. It is concluded with an optional referendum after examination by the competent authorities and approval by the Federal Council and Parliament.
For further information: Communication swissnuclear, Tel. 062 205 20 10, medien@swissnuclear.ch.
Swissnuclear has appointed Wolfgang Denk as its new Managing Director. The qualified mechanical engineer will take up his post on April 1, 2022. Denk succeeds the previous director Dr. Philippe Renault.
After more than seven years, the Association of Nuclear Power Plant Operators is getting a new Managing Director. Wolfgang Denk has many years of experience in the nuclear energy sector thanks to his previous positions at Alstom, Axpo, Alpiq and Westinghouse in Belgium and France, among others. From 2011 to 2016, Wolfgang Denk was responsible for the management, optimization, evaluation and contract management of electricity production from nuclear power plant participations and electricity import contracts in the nuclear production department at Alpiq. Denk was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Leibstadt nuclear power plant. He has already represented the interests of the Swiss nuclear industry in various national and international commissions and expert groups in the past. Most recently, Denk was Senior Risk Manager at Credit Suisse Asset Management in the energy infrastructure sector.
Wolfgang Denk (46) has the best qualifications to take over the business quickly and smoothly and to represent swissnuclear's interests at home and abroad. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering with a postgraduate degree in industrial engineering (MBA & Eng.). Wolfgang Denk is married and has two daughters.
For further information: Communication swissnuclear, Tel. 062 205 20 10, medien@swissnuclear.ch.
Media release_Change in the management of swissnuclear (45 KB)
In 2021, the four Swiss nuclear power plants produced a net 18.6 million megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity (previous year: 23.1 million MWh). The reason for the decline was time-consuming modernization projects at the Leibstadt nuclear power plant, which resulted in a six-month shutdown for maintenance. Nevertheless, Swiss nuclear power plants generated around a quarter of the electricity consumed in Switzerland in 2021.
The Swiss nuclear power plants produced a net 18,576,330 MWh of electrical energy in 2021 (previous year: 23,119,157 MWh). This also includes 104,641 MWh that the Beznau-1 and -2 (24,294 MWh) and Gösgen (80,347 MWh) nuclear power plants supplied to regional residential and commercial buildings in the form of district heating.
The four nuclear power plants are part of Switzerland's system-relevant infrastructure. For this reason, they have also implemented particularly strict coronavirus protection measures in 2021, both during normal operation and during the respective shutdown for maintenance.
Detailed production figures for the power plants
Beznau-1 and 2 nuclear power plants (KKB): Thanks to a high availability rate of 96.5%, unit 1 of the Beznau nuclear power plant increased the amount of electricity generated to 3.05 million MWh net (previous year: 2.9 million MWh). At 2.8 million MWh net, Block 2 remained only slightly below the previous year's production of 2.9 million MWh with an availability of 89.9% due to maintenance work.
Since commissioning, a total of more than CHF 2.5 billion has been invested in the safety and reliability of the two plants. Thanks to the extensive upgrades and modernizations, Beznau-1 and -2 meet all regulatory and statutory safety requirements and comply with the internationally recognized standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency - IAEA.
Gösgen nuclear power plant (KKG): At 7.9 million MWh net, the Gösgen nuclear power plant recorded slightly lower production in 2021 (previous year: 8.3 million MWh). Availability amounted to 90.2 percent. During the annual overhaul, in addition to the recurring inspections and maintenance work, the generator underwent a major overhaul, the condensate cooler was replaced and the deionized water basins were connected to the emergency system to expand the water reserves. In addition, 355 support feet of the cooling tower were refurbished.
For more than three years, the Gösgen nuclear power plant has been focusing on projects to continuously modernize and increase plant safety. KKG will invest around 700 million Swiss francs in these projects by 2029.
Leibstadt nuclear power plant (KKL): During a six-month annual overhaul, the plant implemented two major modernization projects in addition to maintenance and renewal projects. As a result, total net production fell to 4.8 million MWh (previous year: 9.1 million MWh). With the replacement of the condenser and the conversion of the reactor recirculation system, KKL brought two important major components up to the latest technical standard. The new, more efficient plant components also allow Switzerland's newest and most powerful nuclear power plant to increase its output while maintaining the same reactor capacity.
Since 2010, Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt AG has invested more than one billion Swiss francs in the renewal and safety of the plant with a view to long-term operation. This means that the power plant can continue to make an important contribution to Switzerland's security of supply in the future.
Reliable long-term operation for greater security of supply
Swiss nuclear power plants have been a pillar of secure electricity supply for over 50 years. In winter in particular, they supply up to half of domestic production. If Switzerland wants to secure its electricity supply and at the same time achieve its climate targets, it will have to rely on the reliable and climate-friendly production of domestic nuclear power plants for some time to come. The long-term operation of existing nuclear power plants is essential for security of supply in the medium term.
KKW: Attractive employers
At the end of 2021, the Swiss nuclear power plants employed a total of 1,592 people in 1,546.8 full-time positions (previous year: 1,537). Of these, 45 young people were undergoing training, including as automation technicians, electronics technicians, polymechanics, commercial clerks, IT specialists and laboratory technicians.
Visitor tours continued to be severely restricted at all plants in the second year of the pandemic. At the Beznau nuclear power plant, only 23 plant tours were held in the second half of the year for a total of 264 interested visitors. The visitor center at the Gösgen nuclear power plant opened its new exhibition in mid-September 2021 and welcomed 1,824 visitors on plant tours. The Leibstadt nuclear power plant information center remained closed for several months while its exhibits were updated. The new, digitized exhibition was reopened in November 2021.
For further information: Communication swissnuclear, Tel. 062 205 20 10, medien@swissnuclear.ch.
Every five years, the nuclear energy industry conducts a comprehensive study to determine the expected costs for the decommissioning and disposal of Swiss nuclear facilities. The cost study incorporates the latest findings and experience from national and international decommissioning projects and from the planning of deep geological repositories. The new 2021 cost study (KS21) contains a significant financial safety reserve and confirms that the financing of decommissioning and disposal is secure. It shows stable to slightly decreasing costs. The total costs now amount to CHF 23.083 billion.
According to the Nuclear Energy Act, the owners of Swiss nuclear facilities are obliged to bear all decommissioning and disposal costs in accordance with the polluter-pays principle. The financing of the decommissioning and disposal of radioactive waste is also regulated by law in Switzerland. Two state-controlled funds are set up by the operators of Swiss nuclear facilities to secure the necessary financial resources.
The payments into the two funds, as well as the owners' provisions for decommissioning and waste disposal, are calculated on the basis of a comprehensive cost study. This cost study is carried out every five years on behalf of the Administrative Commission of the Decommissioning and Waste Disposal Funds (STENFO). It takes into account the latest international knowledge and experience in technology and economics. In particular, the new findings from the decommissioning of the Mühleberg nuclear power plant and Nagra's geological investigations have been incorporated into KS21 . They confirm the previous planning assumptions and cost calculations.
The breakdown of costs into base costs and surcharges introduced with the 2016 cost study (KS16), which includes a comprehensive cost block for forecast inaccuracies and risks as well as a general safety surcharge, has proven its worth in KS21. This creates comparability and transparency.
Increased experience and lean processes lead to stabilization of decommissioning costs
According to KS21, the decommissioning costs for all nuclear facilities now amount to CHF 3.666 billion. They have therefore fallen by 3% compared to KS16 (adjusted for inflation by 5%). This is partly because experience from the decommissioning of the Mühleberg nuclear power plant shows that post-operational work and decommissioning work can also be carried out in parallel.
The base costs, including costs already paid, amount to CHF 2.73 billion for decommissioning and the surcharges total 36%.
Lower disposal costs thanks to optimization of the structures
The disposal costs for the construction of one storage facility each for low-level and high-level waste at two different sites now amount to CHF 19.417 billion. They have therefore fallen by just under 5% compared to KS16 (7% adjusted for inflation). This is because the backfilling and sealing concept has been further developed and the access structures and packaging facilities have been optimized.
The base costs, including costs already paid, amount to CHF 15.480 billion for disposal, and the surcharges total 43%.
According to Nagra, constructing the low- and high-level repositories at the same site (combined repository) would be more efficient and conserve resources than constructing two repositories at different sites. Based on the scientific knowledge gained from Nagra's geological investigations in recent years, it is becoming apparent that such a combined repository can be safely realized at all three possible sites.
The costs of decommissioning and disposal are both declining, see Figure 1.
Robust total costs
The total costs reported in KS21 for the complete dismantling of the nuclear facilities and the disposal of all waste in two separate repositories at different sites now amount to CHF 23.083 billion. These costs include the Confederation's share of CHF 1.1 billion of the disposal costs for waste from medicine, industry and research. The total costs of CHF 23.1 billion are CHF 1.1 billion and therefore 4.5% (6.5% adjusted for inflation) lower than the CHF 24.2 billion in KS16.
Significant safety reserve priced in
The risk surcharges in KS21 are 4% higher than in the last KS16. Reliably calculable base costs and large reserves due to risk surcharges totaling 41% of the base costs make the 2021 cost study very resilient and reliable.
Financing is on track
CHF 7.5 billion of the total costs have already been paid and a further CHF 8.9 billion has been secured in the fund. This means that almost three quarters of the total costs have been financed. A further CHF 4.9 billion in investment income is expected from the fund assets (with a prescribed real return of 1.6%). As things stand at present, the operators will therefore have to make future contributions to the funds of a maximum of CHF 0.9 billion, see Figure 2.
Next steps
Once the 2021 cost study has been submitted, the next step will be a comprehensive review and plausibility check by the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate ENSI, independent cost auditors and the STENFO committees. STENFO will then calculate the amount of the contributions that the power plant operators must pay into the funds each year. Finally, the STENFO Administrative Commission will determine them.
Further information and a short video explaining the cost study can be found on the swissnuclear website .
For further information: Communication swissnuclear, Tel. 062 205 20 10, medien@swissnuclear.ch.
