Switzerland aims to become carbon-neutral by 2050

Calls for new nuclear power stations

The centre-right and right-wing parties as well as industry groups are sceptical as to whether renewables can meet Switzerland’s electricity needs in future. There had already been calls as early as the day of the vote for new nuclear power plants to be built. According to the FDP and SVP, it would be careless to dispense with “climate-friendly” energy from nuclear fission. However, the construction of new nuclear power stations has been banned under Swiss law since 2017, when the electorate accepted the revised Federal Energy Act (“Energy Strategy 2050”), which incorporated Switzerland’s withdrawal from nuclear energy production.

Yet the speed of climate change and fears over electricity supplies could lead to a rethink – or at least delay the shift from nuclear. SVP Federal Councillor Rösti advocates keeping the country’s existing nuclear power plants online for as long as possible – “as long as safety is guaranteed”. But this would necessitate some costly retrofitting. It remains to be seen whether nuclear power plant operators would want to make such an investment. Energy group BKW took the Mühleberg nuclear plant offline in 2019, simply because running it was no longer economical.

“Switzerland has set itself an ambitious target.”

Albert Rösti

Federal Councillor

Nuclear is an issue likely to preoccupy the electorate again in a few years’ time. The centre-right and right-wing parties are collecting signatures for a popular initiative dubbed “Stop the blackout”, which aims to reverse the current ban on new nuclear power stations and make “all climate-friendly types” of electricity generation admissible under the constitution. Sceptical left-wing politicians have dismissed the initiative as “ideological cloud-cuckoo land”. There will be no power shortages in winter if we develop renewables as planned, says energy politician and SP National Councillor Roger Nordmann. In addition to hydro and wind, the left-green parties believe there is huge untapped potential in solar installations on buildings.

Climate Alliance wants greater urgency

The outcome of the 18 June vote is a triumph for the Climate Alliance. Buoyed by the yes result, this cross-party association now expects Switzerland to “raise its ambitions”. The climate activists want greater urgency, especially with regard to the proposed revision of the CO₂ Act. The bill, which is currently being considered by parliament, is not enough for Switzerland to meet its climate goals on time, they say, adding that financial services must also play their part. Swiss banks should force “climate-destroying multinationals” to rethink and change. The Climate Alliance intends to drive home its message at a climate protest on the Bundesplatz in Berne on 30 September – three weeks before the federal election.

Voters again followed the recommendations of the government and parliament, when two other proposals were put to the people on 18 June – the last day of popular votes in this election year. They approved the introduction of a global minimum tax for multinationals as well as a precautionary extension to the Covid-19 Act until the end of 2024.

On 18 June 2023, the Swiss people voted on three issues.

Yes to the Climate and Innovation Act

A majority of 59.1 per cent voted in favour of the Federal Act on Climate Protection Targets, Innovation and Strengthening Energy Security, which aims to make Switzerland carbon-neutral by 2050.

Yes to a global minimum tax

A majority of 78.5 per cent backed the introduction of a global minimum tax on large multinational companies, which will see Switzerland implementing OECD/G20 recommendations.

Yes to extending the Covid-19 Act

A majority of 61.9 per cent approved extending the Covid-19 Act on a precautionary basis until the end of 2024. This means that the Covid vaccine passport requirement can still be reactivated, if necessary, e.g. for travel to other countries.