The decommissioning and waste disposal funds achieved very good results last year. Both funds are well above the target values and confirm the responsible financing strategy for securing decommissioning and disposal costs in the long term.
Olten, 30.10.2025 - Swissnuclear and the operators of the Swiss nuclear power plants have taken note of the 2024 annual report of the Decommissioning and Waste Disposal Funds approved by the Federal Council and are very pleased with the results. The two funds recorded an extremely positive development in the 2024 financial year and are well above the target values noted in the 2021 cost study.
Very good annual result
The total capital of both funds amounted to CHF 9,652 billion at the end of 2024, compared to CHF 8,722 billion in the previous year. CHF in the previous year. Of which:
High returns thanks to market development and investment strategy
The very good annual result is due to positive market developments and a responsible investment strategy. Overall, the two funds recorded very high returns in 2024 compared to the previous year:
The strong annual result for 2024 shows that the contributions to the two funds and the chosen investment strategy form a solid basis for financing the decommissioning and disposal costs.
Long-term positive development above the target value
The balance sheet totals of the Decommissioning Fund and the Waste Disposal Fund at the end of 2024 are significantly higher than the target amounts set out in the 2021 cost study: While the fund capital amounted to CHF 2,987 billion (Decommissioning Fund) and CHF 6,665 billion (Waste Disposal Fund) at the end of 2024, the target values set out in the 2021 cost study were CHF 2,776 billion and CHF 5,805 billion respectively as at 31.12. The development of the assets of the two funds is on track for the long term. This confirms that the operators of nuclear power plants are reliably fulfilling their responsibility to finance decommissioning and waste disposal in accordance with the polluter-pays principle.
For further information: Communication swissnuclear, medien@swissnuclear.ch.
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.
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