Reactor Unit 2 at the Beznau Nuclear Power Plant in northern Switzerland was unexpectedly shut down on Monday, February 10, following an error during a routine test.
The incident occurred at 1:05 PM, according to the plant operator, Axpo. Despite the shutdown, the plant remained in a safe condition, with staff adhering to established protocols, Axpo reported.
The reactor is expected to be restarted after consultations with the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate, which has been informed of the incident.
Axpo also noted that during the restart, white steam will likely be visible above the turbine hall, a non-nuclear section of the plant. The operator reassured the public that this poses no risk to safety or the environment.
In 2017, Swiss voters supported a referendum to phase out nuclear energy, with plans to promote sustainable alternatives such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power through government subsidies.
