Switzerland is moving toward a potential national vote on the future of nuclear energy after parliament voted to lift the 2018 construction ban.
The Swiss parliament has officially approved a government proposal to overturn the ban on building new nuclear power stations, a move that effectively sets the stage for a national referendum. Both chambers of parliament supported the reversal, which aims to secure the country's long-term energy supply.
Energy Minister Albert Rosti emphasized that maintaining the nuclear option is essential for energy security. However, the decision has faced immediate backlash from the Green Party and a coalition of environmental groups, who argue that the move undermines renewable energy development and climate goals. The coalition plans to collect the 50,000 signatures required within 100 days to trigger a mandatory referendum.
The government's push to lift the ban, which was originally established following the 2017 referendum, is driven by the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and concerns over winter electricity imports. While Switzerland currently operates four aging reactors, including the oldest in Europe, the new policy would allow for future construction provided that financing is fully secured.
