Switzerland's first nuclear power plant will generate electricity until 2033

The operator of Switzerland’s Beznau nuclear power plant is investing nearly 10 billion Kč to extend its operating life and ensure it can safely generate electricity until 2033. The 730 MW two-unit plant was Switzerland’s first nuclear power plant and is also the world’s oldest commercially operated nuclear power plant. Since it began operating in 1969, its total operating life will reach 64 years, with annual electricity generation of around 6 TWh.

Swiss energy company Axpo announced that it will spend 350 million Swiss francs (roughly 9.3 billion Kč) to keep its Beznau nuclear power plant in operation until 2033. The plant has two pressurized-water units with a net capacity of 365 MW each, which entered commercial operation in 1969 and 1971.

"The company carried out extensive assessments and investigations. External specialists and suppliers were also consulted. Discussions were held with the supervisory authority ENSI. Safety was the highest priority in every respect," Axpo said of its decision to extend the plant’s operating life.

Axpo expects to shut down the plant’s second unit no earlier than 2032, followed by the first unit in 2033. Axpo therefore plans for Beznau 1 to remain in operation for an impressive 64 years. Each year, the plant supplies around 6 TWh of electricity to the grid and has also supplied heat to surrounding towns since 1984. The company says the plant makes a significant contribution to the country’s energy security, especially during the winter.

Billions invested in extending operating life

Axpo has already invested more than 2.5 billion Swiss francs (roughly 66.7 billion Kč) in modernising the Beznau nuclear power plant. As a result, the plant can boast the status of the world’s oldest nuclear power plant currently in commercial operation.

"The decision to extend the plant’s operating life is based on our social responsibility, as well as technical, organisational, regulatory and economic considerations," Axpo added.

Other Swiss nuclear power plants are also undergoing modernisation, and Axpo, together with its fellow co-owners, has already invested nearly 2 billion francs (roughly 53.4 billion Kč) in the Gösgen plant. The cost of modernising the Leibstadt plant has exceeded 1.5 billion francs (around 40 billion Kč), with a further 1 billion francs (around 26.7 billion Kč) in investment planned.