Technological openness for the future of energy

Rising electricity demand, ambitious climate targets and geopolitical uncertainties are challenging Switzerland – a secure and climate-neutral energy supply is more urgent than ever. Openness to technology is key in this regard.

Switzerland faces major challenges: rising electricity demand, ambitious climate targets and geopolitical uncertainties call for a reliable, climate-neutral energy supply. For export-oriented companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical and life sciences industries, a stable electricity supply is crucial for competitiveness and innovation. The indirect counterproposal to the popular initiative "Electricity for everyone at all times (stop blackouts)" proposed by the Federal Council provides for an amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act and would allow the construction of new nuclear power plants again. This opens up the opportunity for Switzerland to use modern, safe and climate-neutral nuclear energy technologies as part of a balanced energy mix.

Electricity demand is rising – renewable energies alone are not enough

The increasing electrification of industry, transport and buildings will significantly increase electricity consumption in the coming decades. Forecasts predict an increase of 30 to 50 per cent by 2050. At the same time, existing nuclear power plants are being gradually shut down, which could lead to a decline in production of around 20 terawatt hours per year. That is roughly the same amount of energy that all Swiss households consume in six months. Renewable energies such as solar and wind power are unlikely to be able to meet this demand on their own – especially in times of low production.

Nuclear energy as a complementary technology

Technological developments in the field of nuclear energy have made great strides in recent years. Modern light water reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) offer greater safety, more efficient use of fuel and less long-lived waste. SMRs also open up opportunities for decentralised and flexible power supply. Numerous countries, including the USA, Canada and France, are already investing heavily in these technologies. For Switzerland, this means that nuclear energy can compensate for fluctuations in renewable energies and strengthen security of supply in the long term.

Climate targets and energy policy

scienceindustries member companies have committed to the net-zero target by 2050. To achieve this, in addition to electrification, technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) are also necessary, which in turn have high electricity requirements. A technology-neutral energy mix that includes nuclear energy is therefore crucial to meeting climate targets and security of supply at the same time.

Security of supply in uncertain times

Geopolitical developments have shown how vulnerable energy supplies can be. Conflicts, trade restrictions and dependence on fossil fuels from unstable regions lead to price fluctuations and supply risks. A diversified energy mix that includes nuclear power helps to minimise these risks.

Conclusion

For the Swiss chemical and pharmaceutical industry, one thing is clear: a technology-neutral energy policy is essential to ensure the long-term competitiveness and innovative strength of Switzerland as a business location. The Federal Council's indirect counterproposal represents a decisive step towards integrating modern nuclear energy technologies into a balanced energy mix and shaping Switzerland's energy future in a sustainable manner.