The Swiss Cabinet has called for the decommissioning of the five nuclear power reactors in the country. The move comes after thousands of Swiss took to the streets to protest nuclear power — the biggest such demonstration in 25 years.
The five reactors, which supply two-fifths of the nation’s power, have come under increasing scrutiny especially since the nuclear disaster in Japan. If the plan makes it through Parliament, the reactors will go offline between 2019 and 2034, and will signal a new age of energy production in Switzerland including hydropower, wind, biomass, and photovoltaics.
Switching to sustainable energy systems is important, said Christian Zeyer of Swiss Cleantech. “The most important thing, however, is to take all chances in saving energy. There are tremendous possibilities there, and it’s beneficial for the Swiss economy.” Lets hope this forward thinking becomes contagious.
– Mitchell Flexo
(via MSNBC)
Photo via BBC News