Swiss voters have come out in favour of swapping nuclear power for renewable energy, despite warnings the transition will lead to a hike in household bills.
Switzerland’s five nuclear power plants provide a third of the country’s energy needs, but they are reaching the end of their lives. The government had proposed phasing out nuclear power in favour of renewables.
On Sunday, 21 May 2017, the public was given its say on the plans, and more than 58% of voters backed the energy overhaul, which will be rolled out from the start of next year.
The Energy Strategy 2050 initiative aims to bring about a four-fold increase in solar, wind, biomass and geothermal energy output by 2035. The first nuclear power plant will be shut down in 2019.
The scale of consumer support for the change is somewhat surprising given the fact it will likely lead to people paying more for their energy.
What it shows, however, is that there is considerable public support for more environment-friendly ways to power homes, regardless of the increased cost.
Are other countries switching to renewables?
Switzerland isn't the first country to turn its back on nuclear power - and it’s unlikely to be the last.
The 2011 Fukushima Daiichi disaster in Japan, caused three nuclear meltdowns, made countries around the world sit up and take notice of the hazards associated with nuclear power.
Until the Fukushima accident, nuclear power was commonly seen as an important part of a low-carbon future. But the incident has served to change perceptions.
Germany has since permanently shut down eight of its 17 reactors and aims to completely phase out nuclear power by 2022, Italy has voted to remain non-nuclear and Spain has banned the construction of new reactors.
Meanwhile, countries including Australia, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand and Norway do not have any nuclear power stations and remain opposed to atomic energy.
The historic vote in Switzerland means it won’t be too long before another nation is added to that list.
