Swiss nuclear operators estimate CHF 23.6bn for decommissioning and disposal

Decommissioning and disposing of Switzerland’s nuclear facilities is expected to cost 23.6 billion francs, according to an updated estimate reported by Swiss public broadcaster SRF. The study was prepared by Swissnuclear, the industry association representing Swiss nuclear power plant operators.

The total comprises 19.5 billion francs for waste disposal and 4.1 billion francs for decommissioning. It includes a general safety surcharge for decommissioning and the deep geological storage of nuclear waste.

About 8.2 billion francs of the costs have already been paid directly. A further 10 billion francs was held in the decommissioning and waste disposal funds at the end of 2025, Swissnuclear said, adding that the funds were well above the applicable target amounts.

The plant owners have completed the legally required update of their cost estimates. Swissnuclear prepared the study on their behalf with the organisations involved and submitted it to the management commission of the decommissioning and waste disposal funds.

The decommissioning estimates incorporate experience from dismantling the Mühleberg nuclear power plant and findings from planning and characterising the Beznau plant. The disposal estimates reflect the current plans for a deep geological repository and a facility for packaging spent fuel elements.