EN

The future of nuclear energy: discussions and technological developments in the energy system transition

Energy and environment 11:52

Nuclear energy is often mentioned as a possible element in the current discussions on the conversion of energy systems with regard to climate neutrality and high security of supply and is the subject of controversial debate. The Federal Council's recent decision to propose lifting the ban on the granting of general licences for the construction of nuclear power plants in the Nuclear Energy Act as part of a counter-proposal to the federal popular initiative "Electricity for all at all times (stop the blackout)" gives these discussions additional momentum.

Translated with DeepL

On behalf of the federal government, SATW identifies industrially relevant technological developments in all areas, including nuclear energy in particular. In August 2023, SATW published a fact sheet that provides an overview of the status and foreseeable developments in nuclear technologies in the international environment. Based on the third-generation reactor technologies in operation today, the publication highlights development lines aimed at improving safety and/or fuel cycles. Special attention is paid to small modular reactors (SMRs). The various technologies are described in terms of their technical characteristics and the resulting opportunities and challenges.

Further information

Kernenergietechnologien: Überblick über den aktuellen Stand und die Entwicklung

TA-SWISS call for studies on ‘New nuclear technologies’ (in German)