Beznau Nuclear Plant in Switzerland Continues Operation After Over 50 Years Despite Numerous Incidents

The Beznau nuclear power plant, operational since 1972 in Aargau, Switzerland, is the oldest functioning nuclear facility globally, marking 53 years of operation. It has experienced nearly 100 incidents between 1995 and 2014, primarily classified as level 0 on the International Nuclear Event Scale, indicating no safety consequences.

Notable incidents include a 2009 event where technicians were exposed to elevated radiation levels, classified at level 2, and a 2015 inspection revealing defects in the reactor vessel. In early 2025, an electrical network incident led to an emergency shutdown but posed no radiological risk according to operator Axpo Power SA.

The plant's reactors are expected to be decommissioned in 2032 and 2033, having operated for a total of 64 years. Switzerland aims to decarbonize its energy production by 2050, replacing Beznau's output with solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.