05.12.2024 - After a comprehensive review, Axpo decided on 4 December 2024 to secure the operation of the Beznau nuclear power plant until 2033 by investing CHF 350 million. This means that in 2033, Beznau will be able to look back on 64 years of reliable and low-carbon electricity production.
Axpo has made extensive clarifications and conducted investigations. External specialists and suppliers were also consulted and discussions were held with the supervisory authority ENSI. Safety was the top priority in all considerations.
Axpo has now decided that Unit 2 of the nuclear power plant will remain on the grid until 2032 and Unit 1 until 2033. They will then be decommissioned and dismantled. This decision was based on our social responsibility as well as technical, organisational, regulatory and economic aspects.
Major contribution to energy supply security
The Beznau nuclear power plant has been connected to the grid since 1969 and generates around 6 terawatt hours of electricity per year in a safe and environmentally friendly way. A high proportion of this electricity is generated in winter. This corresponds to the consumption of 1.3 million four-person households.
The employees at Beznau are making a significant contribution to energy supply security in Switzerland, both today and for the coming years.
High investments in the Beznau and Leibstadt nuclear power plants
The Beznau nuclear power plant complies with the strictest safety requirements. Since commissioning, Axpo has invested over CHF 2.5 billion in upgrading and modernising both power plant units. And in order to ensure operation until 2033, Axpo will now invest a further CHF 350 million.
Axpo has also invested in the Leibstadt nuclear power plant. Since commissioning in 1984, Axpo and the other shareholders have invested over CHF 1.5 billion in maintaining, renovating and modernising the plant. Further investments of around CHF 1 billion are planned up until 2032. Shareholder investments in the Gösgen nuclear power plant have also totalled almost CHF 2 billion since commissioning.
FAQ on the final decommissioning of the Beznau nuclear power plant
The decision to schedule the final decommissioning for 2032/33 was based on our social responsibility as well as technical, organisational, regulatory and economic aspects. Beznau will have been in operation for about 64 years when it is decommissioned in 2033.
The Beznau nuclear power plant complies with the strictest safety requirements. Since commissioning, Axpo has invested over CHF 2.5 billion in upgrading and modernising.
The decision will not have any direct effect on Swiss power prices. The plant will continue to reliably produce low-CO2 electricity for a long time to come.
The decision will have no effect on existing employment contracts. The employees at the Beznau nuclear power plant are very valuable, and that extends beyond the ongoing operation. We also want to manage decommissioning and dismantling with our own employees.
The Beznau nuclear power plant will continue to produce low-CO2 electricity safely until it is decommissioned. As such, Axpo is investing an additional CHF 350 million into the plant. The decommissioning project will also continue as planned.
No, Axpo will finance the investments from its operating activities.
Various options were explored. Operation beyond 2033 was rejected after carefully considering the technical, organisational, regulatory and economic aspects.
Investigations are also underway there to determine whether operation can continue beyond 60 years.
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