nuclear-news

Switzerland to phase out nuclear energy

Swiss parliament approves nuclear plant phase out, Google News, By Hui Min Neo (AFP) – 29 Sept 11, GENEVA — The Swiss parliament’s upper house on Wednesday approved plans to phase out the country’s nuclear plants over the next two decades in the wake of the Fukushima disaster in Japan.

It followed a June vote by the lower chamber to back an exit from nuclear energy recommended by the government, which had earlier frozen plans for a new construction programme after the Fukushima atomic plant explosion.

Bern said it would count on the development of its already considerable hydro-electric plants and other renewable energy to make up for the loss of nuclear power, while not ruling out importing electricity…..

Under the government’s recommendation, the first nuclear plant to be shut down would be Beznau I in 2019, followed by Beznau II and Muehleberg in 2022, Goegen in 2029 and Leibstadt in 2034.

The government predicted that such a programmed phasing out nuclear energy would favour businesses involved in green technology, boost employment and help Switzerland deal with expected rising electricity prices in Europe…..

Environmental group Green Cross International’s president Mikhail Gorbachev meanwhile welcomed Switzerland’s decision.

“I applaud Switzerland for taking this brave step towards ending its reliance on nuclear energy,” he said in a statement.

“The ghastly memories of Chernobyl and now Fukushima are too fresh and vivid to allow us to ponder any other alternative than ending our reliance on nuclear energy,” added the former Russian president……

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jCSeOpS19tU5dzL4GihVYh4OuAww?docId=CNG.1df1059dafd2f113fff8be0b059fe958.d31

September 30, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics, Switzerland