Switzerland’s Nuclear Energy Dilemma
Switzerland has long been a champion of renewable energy and a clean environment. With nuclear power creating just under 40% of electricity, hydroelectricity around the 50% mark and just under 5% from thermal power.
With such a significant proportion of the nation’s energy being drawn from nuclear power you would assume that Switzerland would want to safe guard its future. But, you would be wrong. In the wake of the Fukushima disaster in Japan the Swiss have decided to relook at the Switzerland’s nuclear energy industry.
The future hangs in the balance as the Swiss Parliament recently voted in favour of phasing out nuclear reactors. This decision follows similar votes in Germany and movement seen across a lot of Western Europe.
It does seem strange that a country who in the early 2000s put so much efforts in to increasing nuclear output, increasing by 20% from 2005 to 2007 would want to end the industry in one foul swoop. However, all may not be lost yet, although both chambers of Parliament have voted on a n end to issuing contracts and to shut any plant that breaks new safety protocols. The decision on decommission and ending the Swiss nuclear industry lies ultimately with the people in the form of a referendum. Watch this space, as we feel that the nuclear question will not be answered for a long time to come.
