Swiss Public Sentiment Swings In Favour Of Nuclear Energy

This renewed popularity of nuclear power reflects a growing fear of electricity shortages. The House of representatives is scheduled to decide on the future of Swiss energy policy during a parliamentary debate on Monday.

According to the surveyExternal link conducted by the GFS institute, 79% of respondents want to continue operating nuclear power plants as long as they remain safe, while the construction of new generation facilities receives 59% support.

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“Security of supply is a major issue in Switzerland in 2026. We are wondering whether renewable energies will be sufficient. We are therefore looking for alternatives and nuclear power is one of them,” Urs Bieri, political scientist at gfs told Swiss public broadcaster RTS.

Nevertheless, while nuclear power is gaining popularity, those surveyed still prefer renewables to cope with the shortage.

The fear of electricity shortages stems from a message relentlessly repeated by the government and electricity companies for several years. The international geopolitical context isn't helping, according to Patrick Berstchy, vice-president of AE) and Director of Networks at Romande Energie.

“In 2022, a shortage was imminent,” he told RTS.“And today, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, we see that energy issues are once again at the forefront of concerns for the Swiss.”

This content was published on Mar 12, 2026 Switzerland considers lifting its ban on new nuclear plants to boost energy security – learn more about the nationwide debate and what's at stake.