BKW veut utiliser le site de Mühleberg, en voie de démantèlement, pour produire de l’énergie – rts.ch
Swiss Nuclear Power plant Dismantling on Track, Future Use Uncertain
Mühleberg, Switzerland – five years into the decommissioning process, the dismantling of the Mühleberg nuclear power plant is progressing smoothly. While the site is expected to be available for redevelopment by 2034, the energy company BKW has hinted that a new nuclear power plant isn’t off the table.
BKW Energie, which operated the plant from its opening in 1972 until its closure on january 20, 2019, has already removed 6,500 tons of material from the site. The next phase involves emptying the spent fuel pool, which contains 850,000 liters of water, and removing the condenser, a component that cools and condenses steam used to generate electricity.
BKW aims to completely remove all radioactive materials from the site by the end of 2030. Materials directly exposed to radiation will be encased in drums and transported to the interim storage facility in Würenlingen.Materials contaminated by contact with radioactive fluids or gases will be treated as regular waste.
Future of the Site Remains Open
With the site expected to be cleared by 2034, BKW is already looking towards its future. “We want to leverage the potential of this site and develop solutions that contribute to Switzerland’s sustainable energy supply,” said Robert Itschner, CEO of BKW.
The area, stretching from the Mühleberg hydroelectric plant to the nuclear facility, is considered an “ideal” location for “energy-related technical use,” according to BKW. While the company hasn’t ruled out the possibility of constructing a new nuclear power plant, it remains to be seen what direction they will ultimately choose.
Swiss Energy Giant Eyes US-Style Power Hub at Decommissioned Nuclear Site
Mühleberg, Switzerland – The sprawling site of the former Mühleberg nuclear power plant, recently decommissioned, is poised for a dramatic change. Swiss energy giant BKW is exploring a range of options to repurpose the strategically located land, envisioning a future-forward energy hub.The company, which owns a 52% stake in the site, has highlighted its potential for diverse energy solutions. “The site is vast and perfectly connected to the high-voltage grid,” BKW stated.
In the near term, BKW sees the potential for installing large-scale battery storage systems to stabilize the electrical grid. Looking further ahead, the construction of low-emission gas-fired power plants is also being considered.Nuclear Power: A Possibility on the Horizon
Adding fuel to the debate, Swiss Energy Minister Albert Rösti has suggested the Mühleberg site could potentially house a new nuclear power plant once the decommissioning process is complete.
While BKW’s current energy strategy through 2030 doesn’t include expanding nuclear power, the company remains open to the technology. “Nuclear power plants could be part of the solution in the future, provided society decides to achieve climate goals while ensuring energy supply and preserving the landscape as much as possible,” BKW explained.
BKW has until the end of 2027 to submit a proposal to the Swiss Federal Office of energy (SFOE) outlining its plans for the site. The company is currently engaged in consultations with the canton of Bern, exploring various options for continued energy production at Mühleberg.
swiss nuclear power Plant Dismantling on Track, Could Be Reborn as Energy Hub
Mühleberg, Switzerland – Five years into the decommissioning process, the dismantling of the Mühleberg nuclear power plant is proceeding smoothly, with the site expected to be available for redevelopment by 2034. While energy company BKW has removed 6,500 tons of material and is on track to fully rid the site of radioactive materials by 2030, the future use of the strategically located land remains uncertain.
BKW envisions the site transforming into a cutting-edge energy hub.With its expansive area and direct connection to the high-voltage grid, the company sees potential for large-scale battery storage to stabilize the electrical grid and low-emission gas-fired power plants.
Adding a layer of complexity, Swiss Energy Minister Albert Rösti has suggested the Mühleberg site could potentially house a new nuclear power plant. While BKW’s current energy strategy through 2030 doesn’t include expanding nuclear power, the company remains open to the technology.
BKW has until the end of 2027 to submit a proposal to the Swiss Federal Office of energy outlining its plans for the site. The company is currently engaged in consultations with the canton of Bern to explore various options for continued energy production at Mühleberg.