Switzerland gears up for referendum on building new nuclear power plants after parliament backed a hotly debated government proposal to overturn previous ban. Decision, made Thursday,follows 2018 prohibition enacted after anti-nuclear advocates won 2017 referendum.
Energy Minister Albert Rosti stressed need to keep nuclear energy as option to secure long-term energy supply . Government argues new nuclear facilities crucial for hitting net-zero emissions by 2050, especially with rising demand for low-carbon electricity .
Swiss parliament's lower house joined upper chamber in backing proposal, which requires any new nuclear plants to have assured financing. But Green Party plans to launch referendum against decision,arguing it undermines renewable energy and climate protection.
Green Party president Lisa Mazzone slammed parliamentary vote,saying it risks Switzerland's energy sovereignty . Party plans to start collecting signatures this month,aiming for 50,000 valid signatures in 100 days to trigger referendum .
Government's push to lift ban comes amid concerns over energy shortages worsened by global conflicts, like US-Israeli tensions with Iran and Russia's Ukraine invasion. Switzerland's winter electricity import reliance heightens these fears.
Officials claim new nuclear plants would act as "insurance policy" for electricity supply, especially if renewables fall short. 2017 referendum phasing out nuclear power was reaction to Japan's Fukushima disaster, raising nuclear safety fears.
Switzerland currently runs four nuclear reactors,all from 20th century . Oldest, Beznau 1, started in 1969,to close 2033. Beznau 2 shuts a year earlier. Other reactors,Gosgen, Leibstadt,began operating in 1979, 1984.
As debate unfolds, Swiss public will have final say on nuclear energy's future in country . Outcome of upcoming referendum could reshape Switzerland's energy path...
