Swiss nuclear energy referendum development

A referendum regarding the construction of new nuclear power plants in Switzerland has been secured after the coalition ‘Nein zu neuen AKW’ (No to new nuclear plants) collected over 125,000 signatures. This exceeds the 50,000 required to trigger a national vote.

The referendum opposes a parliamentary counter-proposal to the ‘Jederzeit Strom für alle’ (Electricity for all at all times) initiative. While proponents of the original initiative partially withdrew their request because the counter-proposal addresses lifting the nuclear power plant ban, the coalition is contesting the specific legislative path chosen by Parliament.

Supporters of the referendum include the Social Democratic Party, the Green Party, the Green Liberal Party, parts of the Centre party, and organizations such as Greenpeace Switzerland. They argue that the government and parliament are acting against the public will. Conversely, the Swiss People's Party (SVP) supports new nuclear plants, though energy companies have noted that construction would be uneconomical without significant state subsidies.

By October 2026, an alliance of left-wing and centrist parties submitted over 131,800 signatures to preserve the existing ban on new nuclear construction. Proponents argue that nuclear energy is an “outdated and expensive technology” that creates long-term radioactive waste issues. They further express concern that lifting the ban could divert investment from solar and hydropower expansion.

In contrast, critics of the ban, such as the ‘Stop the Blackout’ initiative, argue that renewable sources like solar are too intermittent to meet winter demand. Switzerland currently relies on imports to cover a projected 6.8 TWh electricity gap during the 2025–26 winter period. If validated, the electorate could vote as early as February 28, 2027.