BKW: Statement of position and outlook
In the light of current developments
BKW: Statement of position and outlook
In view of the disastrous events in Japan, BKW FMB Energy Ltd (BKW) has issued an initial statement of position on the safety of Mühleberg nuclear power plant and an outlook regarding the review of its strategy. It has taken immediate steps to optimally implement initial findings from the disaster in Fukushima, both in the interests of the plant's safety as well as for the future secure, ecological and cost-effective supply of electricity to more than a million people in north-western Switzerland. BKW has launched a broad-based, objective process to review its corporate strategy.
By agreement with the Executive Council of the Canton of Berne, the requisite resources and time will be allocated to conducting an in-depth analysis of strategic issues concerning the thrust and
positioning of selected activities. BKW's aim is to determine the extent to which the options which have to date been restricted by all manner of opposition can be accorded greater potential in the
light of the events in Japan. The main focus in this regard is on the concrete implementation of frequently rejected projects in the new renewable energy area, hydro power projects which are also
encountering opposition (e.g. the raising of the Grimsel dam), and energy efficiency. The review will also determine the extent to which the importance accorded to climate policy contributes to the
acceptance of gas-fired power plants.
For years BKW has been working to ensure the orderly replacement of Mühleberg nuclear power plant, which is a cornerstone of electricity supplies for north-western Switzerland. BKW has a broad
electricity mix in Switzerland and abroad and boasts one of the most versatile portfolios of new renewable energies in Switzerland. The Federal Council's decision, welcomed by BKW, to suspend the
applications for replacement nuclear power plants, creates the necessary breathing space to develop sustainable CO2-minimised options for future power supplies. BKW is open to all safe, ecological
and cost-effective technologies, if necessary including any safer, further-developed "post-Japan" nuclear power technologies. A politically-motivated premature shutdown of Mühleberg nuclear power
plant will rapidly usher in a lengthy period of being forced to purchase electricity from fossil-fuelled plants, whether via imports or from new gas-fired power plants yet to be built in
Switzerland.
BKW is working at full tilt to review the safety of Mühleberg nuclear power plant. It supports the efforts of the safety authorities in this regard and, drawing on the findings from Fukushima, has
already formulated and implemented initial measures.
