Based on an article by Sven Titz in the NZZ

The author criticises a recent report by the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences on Switzerland’s climate policy. According to the article, the report lacks scientific objectivity as it almost systematically disregards two technologies that are crucial to the energy transition: next-generation nuclear energy and deep geothermal energy.

• An ideological bias: The author accuses the Academies of no longer acting as neutral scientific bodies, but of following a pre-established political agenda that favours almost exclusively the development of wind and solar power.

• The nuclear dead end: The article highlights that the report treats nuclear power as a technology of the past, ignoring recent technological developments (such as small modular reactors – SMRs) . For the author, doing without a stable, carbon-free energy source makes the ‘net zero’ target by 2050 extremely difficult, if not impossible, to achieve without jeopardising security of supply.

• The underestimated potential of geothermal energy: Deep geothermal energy is also considered to be given too little consideration in the Academies’ scenario. Yet it represents a domestic energy source capable of providing continuous heat and electricity (base load), unlike the intermittent nature of solar and wind power.

• The issue of security of supply: The author is concerned that the strategy proposed by the report relies too heavily on electricity imports in winter. He advocates for total technological openness (Technologieoffenheit), arguing that Switzerland cannot afford to rule out technical options on principle if it is to succeed in its climate transition.

• Scientific credibility: In conclusion, the article suggests that if scientific institutions wish to retain their influence on the public debate, they must present all the facts and possible options, including those that are politically unpopular, rather than acting as spokespeople for a narrow vision of the transition.

In summary: This is a call for a more pragmatic and less dogmatic Swiss energy policy, one that re-includes nuclear and geothermal power in the calculations for achieving climate targets.

Link to the article (in German, for subscribers of the newspaper)