Suche
Mein Konto
Beznau nuclear power plant: Heat wave forces reactors to shut down!
Beznau nuclear power plant reduces output due to high water temperatures in the Aare in order to protect environmental regulations and the ecosystem.
Beznau nuclear power plant: Heat wave forces reactors to shut down!
Because of the persistent heat, the Beznau nuclear power plant in Switzerland has taken drastic measures. The second reactor was completely taken offline on Wednesday evening, July 3, 2025, due to the high water temperatures of the Aare. However, the operator Axpo reminds that this has nothing to do with safety concerns, but is necessary for environmental reasons in order to protect the flora and fauna of the water. Kreizeitung Wesermarsch reported that the water temperature of the Aare was 24.6 degrees in the evening, which affected the cooling of the reactors.
The first reactor was shut down on Tuesday and the output of both blocks was reduced to 50 percent in order to meet the requirements of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN). This measure was initiated days ago when the water temperature of the Aare even reached 25 degrees on June 29th. The reactors are cooled using water from the Aare, which is returned after use. However, this return must take place at appropriate temperatures and excessive warming of the water must be avoided in order not to endanger the ecosystem. [Axpo].
Long-term plans and challenges
The Beznau-1 and Beznau-2 reactors, commissioned in 1969 and 1971, are among the oldest nuclear power plants in operation in the world. Despite the decision to phase out nuclear power in Switzerland, these plants are allowed to operate as long as they are safe. As things stand, the operator plans to take the reactors offline in 2032 and 2033. Kernenergie.ch informs that Swiss nuclear power plants generate a total of around 22 billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually, which corresponds to more than the total needs of all households.
At a time when the demands on energy production are increasing due to challenging climatic conditions such as the current heat, it is crucial for Axpo and the Swiss energy supply to comply with environmental regulations while at the same time covering the energy needs of industry and households. The head of the Nuclear Energy Division at Axpo, Michael Kessler, emphasizes the committed cooperation with the regulatory authorities and the constant monitoring of the water temperatures of the Aare in order to decide whether an orderly curtailment is necessary.