Switzerland said yes to “Energy Strategy 2050”, a package of measures promoted by the government on which citizens were called to express themselves in a referendum. The victory of yes will lead to a progressive abandonment of nuclear energy and towards a policy based on renewables.
The new law - which follows a clear line desired by the Government after Fukushima - provides for a series of subsidies which aim to create resources for investments in theAeolian, in solar and in hydroelectricity. To date in Switzerland, the first two sources cover less than 5% of Swiss energy production, against 60,5% of hydroelectric and, above all, the 35% of nuclear power.
Our neighbors can indeed count on well five plants nuclear plants – which came into operation between 1969 and 1984 – which, according to the provisions of the “2050 Energy Strategy”, will be able to remain in operation until the end of their life cycle (again 20-30 years old). The law also prohibits the construction of new nuclear power plants.
Over time, therefore, more than 1/3 of national electricity production will be lost. To deal with the situation, measures are planned to increase energy savings.
The Government assures that the victory of the Yes vote will not cause problems in economic terms. The promotion of renewables will cause a lslight increase in prices which will however be compensated by the improvement in efficiency. Furthermore, the new measure will lead to a reduction in dependence on foreign countries, favoring innovation and jobs.
