A significant shift is underway within Switzerland's Center Party regarding nuclear energy. Once a proponent of a gradual nuclear phase-out without a fixed shutdown date, the party's position on new nuclear power plants is now undergoing a notable re-evaluation. This change has surprised many, especially given the party's historical stance.
Key Takeaways
- The Center Party's Ständerat representatives voted in favor of new nuclear power plants, marking a departure from past policy.
- Bernese Center Party members show skepticism, with many candidates opposing new nuclear facilities.
- Concerns exist that a renewed focus on nuclear power could hinder renewable energy development.
The Unexpected Shift in Ständerat
On January 19, representatives from the Center Party in the preliminary Ständerat committee voted to support new nuclear power plants. This decision represents a clear deviation from the party's previous stance, which had specifically ruled out the construction of new facilities.
This move has drawn attention, particularly from media outlets that highlighted how Center Party colleagues are challenging the legacy of former Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard, who advocated for a moderate nuclear phase-out.
Important Fact
The Center Party was formed from the merger of the Christian Democratic People's Party (CVP) and the Conservative Democratic Party (BDP). The BDP had previously championed the nuclear phase-out as a key achievement.
Bernese Reaction and Skepticism
The shift in the Ständerat has met with considerable skepticism within the Bernese section of the Center Party. National Councillor Reto Nause, a former energy director for the city of Bern, expressed his surprise at the decision.
Nause, who actively supported the national nuclear phase-out initiative in 2016, remains cautious. He plans to listen to the arguments of his Ständerat colleagues but highlights several challenges for new nuclear plants. "I see neither an investor nor a political process that would likely lead to a new nuclear power plant," Nause stated. He also noted that a technological breakthrough for safer and more economical nuclear power is "not yet in sight."
"If environmental organizations block alpine solar and hydropower plants one after another, then securing electricity supply becomes difficult." - Reto Nause, National Councillor
Nause raised critical questions in the National Council in 2024 regarding the safety of a new experimental reactor planned for Villigen AG. He also emphasized the importance of hydropower projects like Grimsel and Trift for Canton Bern, warning that a new nuclear debate could delay these crucial investments.
Timing and Electoral Impact
The timing of this policy shift is particularly awkward for the Bernese cantonal party. While the committee decision received limited media attention initially, the upcoming Ständerat vote on new nuclear plants is expected to draw significant public interest. This vote will likely coincide with the final phase of the Bernese election campaign.
Background
Public opinion within the Center Party electorate appears divided. A recent survey by Tamedia and '20 Minuten' indicated that 51 percent of Center Party sympathizers nationwide support new nuclear power plants, while 48 percent oppose them. However, many opinions are not firmly established, showing a high proportion of "rather yes" or "rather no" responses.
Another survey, commissioned by the electricity industry, suggested a majority of Center Party supporters are against new nuclear facilities. This highlights the internal division the party faces.
Concerns for Renewable Energy
André Roggli, co-president of the Bernese Center Party, noted that the topic of nuclear power has not been discussed internally for some time. He admitted his own position has softened, moving from "vehemently against" to "rather against" new nuclear plants, as indicated on the Smartvote election assistance portal.
Roggli believes lifting the ban on nuclear plant construction is premature, citing respect for the 2017 public vote on the nuclear phase-out. He also fears that it would push the expansion of renewable energy into the background, which he considers "completely wrong."
- Party leadership provided a position paper to candidates for Smartvote.
- The paper emphasizes renewable energies and supply security as priorities.
- It states that advocating for new nuclear power plants is "neither a task nor a priority for the Canton of Bern."
Bernese Candidates Lean Against New Nuclear
The skepticism towards new nuclear power plants is evident in the Smartvote responses of Bernese Center Party candidates. While both pro and con positions exist, "no" answers dominate. This trend is particularly clear among incumbent candidates with strong re-election chances.
Out of the current officeholders, 8 candidates expressed a clear or tentative "no" to new nuclear power plants, while only 3 indicated a clear or tentative "yes."
Influential Voices for Nuclear
Despite the overall trend, two prominent figures within the party support new nuclear technologies. Peter Gerber, faction leader, stated he cannot envision a traditional new nuclear plant in Mühleberg but is open to advanced nuclear technologies. He would welcome a policy change from the Center Party. "With the 2017 public decision, we isolated ourselves from development; we should reconsider this due to supply issues," Gerber said.
Former Grand Council President Francesco Rappa also favored new nuclear plants on Smartvote. He views his stance as a "stimulus for thought." Rappa expressed frustration over environmental organizations hindering renewable energy projects. He has been a vocal opponent of the cantonal solar initiative by the Green Party, arguing that his efforts led to a counter-proposal that has a better chance with the public.
Strong Opposition
Conversely, Jürg Rothenbühler, a member of the Grand Council's energy commission, firmly opposes new nuclear power plants. "If people protest against wind turbines, how great will the opposition to nuclear power plants be?" he questioned. Rothenbühler also emphasized that sustainable energy cannot be achieved as long as the waste disposal problem remains unsolved. While not against nuclear research, he advocates for increased focus on promising renewable energies like geothermal power.
The debate within the Center Party reflects a broader national discussion on Switzerland's future energy strategy. The balance between maintaining energy security, expanding renewables, and potentially revisiting nuclear options remains a complex challenge for policymakers.