The proposal put forward by green groups was defeated

by a vote of 56% against it.

(WNN) The proposal to force older nuclear power plants to close in Switzerland has been rejected in a referendum by a vote of 56% to 44% to retain the units.

With 56% of people have voted ‘No’ to the rapid phase out, the election records a clear victory by winning both the popular vote and by taking majorities in the most cantons.

Switzerland went to the polls on a further proposal that would have accelerated the retirements by forcing reactors to close at the age of 45. Because they are already over this age, Beznau 1 and 2 as well as Muehleberg would have closed in 2017. Gösgen would have followed in 2024, and Leibstadt in 2029.

The five reactors that provide over one-third of electricity can continue to operate according to their economic lives.

Daniel Aegerter, co-founder of campaign group Energy for Humanity (EfH) told WNN:

“Swiss voters have sent a strong message to world by rejecting the Greens’ disorderly nuclear exit initiative. Our efforts now must be on expanding clean electricity generation, not shutting it down.”

Wolfgang Denk, european director of EfH said:

“Germany has been trying for years to succeed with their energy transition and they are facing huge difficulties. By keeping their existing plants online, Switzerland will be in a much better position to face the upcoming challenges in climate change and the energy sector in general.”

Nuclear power is Switzerland’s second largest source of electricity, providing about 35% of electricity in 2015 and complementing 52% hydro to give the country one of the cleanest and most secure electricity systems in the world.

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