Swiss plans

Greens mobilize against nuclear waste repository

The authorities will check by spring 2025 whether all the necessary documents have been submitted.

(Bild: APA/dpa/Sebastian Kahnert)

The National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste (Nagra) wants to build a nuclear waste repository in the Zurich municipality of Stadel from 2045. Head of the Green Party Daniel Zadra sees considerable risks. 

Nagra's application, which aims to prove that the area in the Zurich municipality of Stadel (around 90 kilometers from Bregenz) is the best location for a nuclear waste repository, comprises around 30,000 pages. A deep geological repository is to be built there from 2045, with the first waste to be stored from 2050.

Compatible with environmental protection
"We are demonstrating that the construction and operation of the deep geological repository is challenging, but feasible and possible," said Nagra CEO Matthias Braun at the presentation of the plans. Nagra also demonstrates that the repository is compatible with environmental protection and spatial planning.

This is seen somewhat differently in Vorarlberg. Daniel Zadra, chairman of the Green Party, is vehemently opposed to the construction of a nuclear waste storage facility in Stadel: "Once again it is clear that nuclear power is not a sustainable form of energy generation. Now nuclear waste is to be stored right on Vorarlberg's doorstep. That is unacceptable."

Considerable risks
In his view, the plans submitted by Nagra entail considerable risks: "A landfill site for radioactive waste not only endangers the environment, but also people's health and the safety of future generations."

Provincial Governor Markus Wallner must quickly make representations to his colleagues in the cantonal government and campaign vehemently and at all political levels against this nuclear waste repository.