Record Heat Forces Nuclear Plant to Halve Output, Testing Swiss Energy Grid

Beznau nuclear power plant reduces output by 50% as River Aare temperatures reach critical levels, highlighting environmental challenges to Swiss energy infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

Beznau nuclear power plant reduced output by 50% due to high river temperatures
River Aare reached 25 degrees Celsius downstream of the plant
Beznau lacks cooling towers unlike other Swiss nuclear facilities
Swiss Federal Office of Energy mandated 25°C temperature limit in 2019

By The Numbers

50%

Power output reduction

25°C

River temperature threshold

35°C

Expected air temperature

They Said

"The reduction in reactor output is a prescribed measure to protect the ecological balance of the River Aare"
— Michael Kessler, head of nuclear energy division at Axpo

Heat Crisis Forces Nuclear Cutback

Environmental and Technical Challenges

Regulatory Framework and Past Incidents

Future Implications for Swiss Energy

Sources & References

Heatwave reduces output at Swiss nuclear power plant by 50%

SWI swissinfo.ch