Implementation of the Obligations of the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, Fourth National Report of Switzerland

Historically, electricity generated in Switzerland came exclusively from hydropower without any recourse to fossil fuels, the latter not being available as a natural resource in the country. In the mid 1950's, an interest in the relatively new nuclear energy technology was manifested to cover an increasing electricity demand. In accordance with the general policy concerning the production of electricity, the promotion and use of nuclear energy was left to the initiative of the private sector. It was recognized, however, that the implementation of any nuclear programme and project requires a legislative frame to ensure safety and radiation protection, and that such a legislation should be established exclusively at the federal level. Therefore, a corresponding article was introduced into the Federal Constitution and approved by vote of the Swiss population in 1957. Based on this article, the Atomic Act was put into force in 1959.
The Atomic Act attributed to the Federal Council (federal government) the exclusive Competence to grant licenses for the construction of, operation of and modification to nuclear facilities. Licenses were based on a detailed review and assessment of nuclear safety. The supervision of nuclear facilities implied the legal competence to take, at any time, appropriate measures to enforce compliance with the licensing conditions.
During the 1960's, several projects for nuclear power plants (NPP) in the municipalities of Beznau, Gösgen, Graben, Inwil, Kaiseraugst, Leibstadt, Mühleberg, Rüthi and Verbois were initiated. Four of them reached the stage of realization, leading to the five currently operating units, commissioned between 1969 and 1984. These five units contribute roughly 40% of the total national electricity production, the rest being essentially covered by hydro power complemented by a small amount from other energy sources.
Due to the increasing opposition to nuclear power during the 1970's, it has not been possible, however, to realize several other nuclear projects for which sites had already been approved. The situation culminated in 1990 in a double decision taken by the Swiss population:
• To accept the further operation of the existing NPPs;
• To impose a ten years stop (moratorium) on granting licences for new NPPs (as well as other nuclear facilities including reprocessing plants, with the exception of facilities for radioactive waste management).
In 2003 two public votes on the prolongation of the above moratorium and on the gradual phase-out of existing NPPs were held, respectively; both propositions were rejected by the Swiss population. Simultaneously, an entirely new Nuclear Energy Act, which provides the legal framework for the further operation of the existing NPPs and for construction of new NPPs, was passed by the Parliament. The option of holding a public vote (facultative referendum) on the Nuclear Energy Act was not exercised. The Nuclear Energy Act came into force on 1 February 2005 and replaced the Atomic Act of 1959.
In February 2007 the Federal Council issued a new national energy strategy, including – besides the promotion of energy efficiency, renewable energy and international cooperation – the building of new large-scale power plants and NPPs in particular.
In May 2011 following the nuclear accident in Fukushima the Federal Council announced to abandon plans to build new nuclear reactors. The existing reactors would be allowed to continue operating, but would not be replaced at the end of their life span. The Federal Council assumes a life span of 50 years.