Swiss to stick with nuclear power

Feb 21, 2007, 22:37 GMT

Geneva - The Swiss government angered Greens and environmental groups Wednesday by opting to stick with nuclear power for the immediate future to counter a predicted energy shortfall after 2020.

The move comes as part of a new energy policy and also aims to reduce the use of fossil fuels and improve energy efficiency by 1 per cent annually.

'The replacement or construction of new nuclear power stations is necessary,' said Energy Minister Moritz Leuenberger, as the government unveiled its new energy policy.

The policy also emphasizes energy efficiency and renewable energy. It would require the construction of large gas-fired power plants that would be required to completely offset their CO2 emissions.

Switzerland is an importer of gas, oil and, to a limited extent, electricity, and the government believes only existing fuels and technologies can meet the growing demand in the coming decades.

The government is also expected to set out a series of additional measures before the end of the year, such as a proposed CO2 tax, minimum energy standards for buildings and incentives for energy- efficient automobiles.

The conservation organization, WWF, said it was 'disappointed' by the government's decision and remained opposed to any new electricity generating centres.

They would be 'superfluous' WWF spokeswoman Christiane Maillefer said, rejecting the government's calculations. Existing power plants along with the production of renewable energy and greater energy efficiency, as already prescribed by the government, could meet demand through 2025, she said.