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Swiss Study Finds 80-Year Lifespan for Nuclear Plants Feasible

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A Swiss government report concludes that extending the operation of some of the country's nuclear fleet to 80 years would be technically feasible and economically viable, the Swiss Federal Council said in a statement on Wednesday.

The assessment primarily covers the long-term operation of the Gosgen and Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plants. It also reviews whether building new nuclear capacity could strengthen electricity supply security during winter if expansion of low-emission energy sources proves too slow.

A 2024 memorandum from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy had already concluded that extending the lifetimes of Swiss nuclear plants to 60 years was both technically and economically feasible.

The government said it currently sees no need for public financial support to enable long-term operation, adding that required investments in upgrades and maintenance are expected to pay off under plausible electricity price and cost scenarios.

However, it warns that the main risks are not economic but political and regulatory, including potential early closures or tighter safety requirements. It stresses that stable regulatory conditions are essential for long-term planning.

The report also highlights workforce challenges, particularly the difficulty of maintaining specialized technical expertise over extended operating periods.

It said continued operation of existing nuclear plants, combined with accelerated deployment of renewable energy, would reduce Switzerland's reliance on imports and improve winter power supply security.

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