Beznau nuclear power plant: Start of refueling in Unit 2

4.8.2020 - Unit 2 of the Beznau nuclear power plant (KKB) was taken off grid today, Tuesday, as planned in order to carry out refuelling. After reactor reloading, the plant will be ready for the next operating cycle.

The shutdown of Unit 2 marks the end of the production cycle that began on 20 September 2019. Since then, KKB 2 reliably produced about 2.9 billion kilowatt hours of electricity without interruption. This correspondsto the annual power consumption of about 600,000 households in Switzerland.

During the shutdown that will last about two weeks, 20 of the 121 fuel elements will be replaced and installedin the reactor core. In addition, recurring inspection work and integral system tests will be performed.

During the shutdown, steam from the non-nuclear section will be visible above the powerhouse. This does not pose any danger to human beings or the environment.

During refuelling, the approx. 460 KKB employees will be supported by some 120 external experts.

The measures instituted in spring to prevent the spread of the corona-virus and to protect internal and external staff will continue to be closely observed.

Refuelling work is supervised by the Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate ENSI.

Additional information

Axpo Holding AG, Corporate Communications

T 0800 44 11 00 (Switzerland) | T +41 56 200 41 10 (international), medien@axpo.com

Media Release View Send email Download

Axpo Holding AG

Corporate Communications

[email protected]

T 0800 44 11 00 (Schweiz)
T +41 56 200 41 10 (International)

(08.00 - 17.30)

Company 27.03.2026

Axpo Holding AGM: shareholders approve 2024/25 financial statements and remuneration proposal for 2026/27 financial year

At today’s Annual General Meeting of Axpo Holding AG, shareholders approved the company’s Annual Report and 2024/25 financial statements. A dividend payout of CHF 200 million was approved, as were total remuneration packages for the Executive Board for the 2026/27 financial year and for the Board of Directors until the next Annual General Meeting.

International business 26.03.2026

McDonald’s and Axpo sign long-term PPA in Spain

Axpo and McDonald’s, Spain’s leading restaurant chain, have signed a ten-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for the supply of up to 83 gigawatt hours (GWh) of solar energy a year, it was announced today. The agreement strengthens McDonald’s commitments to renewable energy and environmental sustainability.

Company 24.03.2026

Axpo Energy Reports: how Switzerland can secure its electricity supply

Swiss energy policy stands at a crossroads. To continue on the current path means endangering Switzerland’s electricity supply, posing significant social and economic risks. The challenge facing the country is particularly acute in winter, when energy demand is at its highest. But what are the options? To help inform debate on the way ahead, today sees the publication of the “Axpo Energy Reports”. These reports present a thorough analysis of technologies that could supply Switzerland’s winter electricity needs, under what conditions and at what cost. This challenge, they argue, can best be met through a strategic combination of several technologies. Two scenarios are presented, both of which would enable a reliable, low-emission and affordable electricity supply. Both could also be achieved without an increase in subsidies. The reports also identify the urgent need for immediate action in specific areas, whichever path is chosen.