Measures to protect the Aare: Block 2 of the Beznau nuclear power plant also shut down
03.07.2025 - On Wednesday evening, Axpo also shut down Block 2 of the Beznau nuclear power plant to protect the flora and fauna of the Aare from further warming. Block 1 has already been off the grid since Tuesday afternoon.
Due to the high water temperatures in the Aare, Axpo has been increasingly reducing the output of the two reactor units at the Beznau nuclear power plant for several days. Both units have been operating at 50% capacity since last Sunday. Axpo shut down Unit 1 on Tuesday afternoon. This was followed yesterday by the shutdown of Unit 2.
The measures to reduce output and shut down completely are being taken in accordance with the instructions of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE). They serve to protect the ecosystem of the Aare river and comply with strict environmental regulations. Excessive warming of the already warm river water during hot summer periods is to be prevented in order not to place additional strain on flora and fauna.
The shutdown of the reactor units will take place in consultation with the Swiss Federal Electricity Commission, the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate and the transmission system operator Swissgrid. This will ensure that neither the security of supply, reactor safety nor grid stability are jeopardised without the production of the Beznau nuclear power plant.
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Axpo Holding AG
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