Heat Forces Swiss Nuclear Plant Shutdown

By Elke Porter | Westcoast German News | July 3, 2025
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Swiss utility Axpo shut down one reactor unit at the Beznau nuclear power plant near Döttingen, Canton of Aargau, on Tuesday and completely shuttered the second reactor Wednesday evening due to dangerously high river water temperatures reaching 25 degrees Celsius in the Aare River. The ongoing high temperatures in Switzerland have led to the Aare River below the Beznau Nuclear Power Plant reaching a water temperature of 25 degrees Celsius on 29 June 2025, forcing the energy giant to comply with federal environmental regulations designed to protect aquatic wildlife.

The company is led by CEO Christoph Brand, who took over leadership in 2020 after serving as CEO of telecommunications company Sunrise and holding key positions at Swisscom. Axpo is Switzerland's largest producer of renewable energy and an international leader in energy trading and the marketing of solar and wind power, making this shutdown particularly significant for the country's energy security.

The implications of this heat-related shutdown extend far beyond immediate power supply concerns. The measure is intended to protect the flora and fauna in the river from excessive warming, as nuclear plants use river water for cooling and discharge it back at higher temperatures. This environmental protection requirement becomes critical during extreme weather events, which climate scientists predict will become more frequent and severe.

If temperatures continue rising, Switzerland could face extended nuclear outages during peak summer months when energy demand typically increases due to air conditioning needs. Temperatures of up to 35°C are expected over the next few days, suggesting the crisis may worsen before improving. The country's heavy reliance on nuclear power for approximately one-third of its electricity generation makes these heat-related shutdowns particularly concerning for grid stability.

For future safety and security, Axpo and Swiss energy regulators are likely to reassess cooling system designs and emergency protocols. The utility may need to invest in advanced cooling technologies or alternative water sources to maintain operations during extreme weather. Current measures will remain in place for the time being, indicating the company is preparing for prolonged operational challenges as climate change intensifies.

This incident highlights the growing vulnerability of nuclear infrastructure to climate change, forcing utilities worldwide to adapt their operations to increasingly extreme weather patterns while maintaining both energy security and environmental protection standards.

TAGS: #Swiss Nuclear #Climate Change #Energy Alert #Beznau #Nuclear Safety #Renewable Energy #Westcoast German News #Elke Porter