Beznau Nuclear Power Plant responds to high Aare water temperatures
24.06.2026 - Axpo has reduced the output of both units of the Beznau NPP due to the current heatwave and will temporarily shut them down if the heat persists. This measure serves to protect the Aare ecosystem and to ensure compliance with all environmental legal requirements.
In brief:
If the Aare does not cool down, the Beznau NPP will be shut down on 26.06.2026.
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Today, the persistently high temperatures in Switzerland have caused the Aare downstream of the Beznau NPP to reach a water temperature of 25 °C. In accordance with an interim order of the Federal Office of Energy (BFE), Axpo has reduced the output of both reactor units to 50 percent yesterday. If a sufficient cooling of the Aare isn’t to be expected, the Beznau NPP will be shut down on 26.06.2026.
The measure serves to protect the Aare ecosystem and to ensure compliance with strict environmental legal requirements. The cooling water for the Beznau NPP is taken from the Aare and returned to the river after the cooling process. Further warming of an already warm body of water should be prevented during hot summer periods in order not to further burden flora and fauna.
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