Switzerland's first nuclear power plant considers operating beyond 60-year mark

The operator of Beznau, Switzerland's first nuclear power plant, is considering extending its operation beyond the originally planned 60-year mark. The two-unit plant, with a total installed capacity of 730 MW, has been generating electricity since the late 1960s and early 1970s. Unit 1 is currently the world's oldest commercially operating nuclear unit. The operator says it should be clear next year whether extending its operation will help the country continue producing low-emissions electricity.

Swiss energy company Axpo announced that it had begun a preliminary review of the possibility of operating its Beznau nuclear power plant for more than 60 years. Among other things, the company aims to ensure the security of electricity supply in a country that currently alsoimports around 70% of its consumption. According to Axpo, Switzerland will need up to 50 TWh of emissions-free electricity annually to meet its climate targets by 2050.

"There are no limits on the lifespan of nuclear power plants in Switzerland—they can operate as long as it is safe to do so. Axpo still plans to operate the Beznau nuclear power plant for 60 years. It is now also assessing the feasibility of operating it beyond that point. Safety is, of course, the highest priority, and we will not negotiate on it," Axpo said in a press release.

Over the lifetime of the two PWR units supplied by US company Westinghouse, engineers increased the capacity of each from 350 MW to 365 MW. Axpo says it has already invested 2.5 billion Swiss francs (just under CZK 65 billion) in upgrading the units.

Unit 1 underwent a series of safety inspections in 2015 and 2016, following which the operator decided to continue operating the unit. Axpo says the current analysis of an extension should be completed next year.

The world's oldest operating nuclear power plant

Beznau is currently the world's oldest operating nuclear power plant. Construction of its first unit officially began in 1965, and the plant began commercial operation in 1969. The second unit followed, entering service three years later. In addition to generating electricity, the plant also supplies heat to the district heating system.

"The Beznau nuclear power plant safely generates around 6 terawatt-hours of climate-friendly electricity a year. This is equivalent to the consumption of 1.3 million four-person households. Nuclear energy is particularly important for security of supply because it can also be generated in winter, when almost half of the electricity produced in Switzerland comes from nuclear power," Axpo added in its statement.

Although Swiss voters backed ending the use of nuclear energy in the country in a 2017 referendum, no final date was set. The restrictions apply only to potential new nuclear power plants.