Calculations from the energy company Axpo are nuclear power plants are more economically advantageous compared to solar cells when social costs are taken into account [1].
With “Power Switcher” online, Axpo offers an innovative tool for modeling the future electricity mix, taking into account dependencies and costs. The “Neue Zürcher Zeitung” tested this instrument and analyzed the results.
Therefore, the Axpo analysis calls into question the traditional idea of solar energy from the roof as a cost-effective energy source. System costs would be significant, as decentralized power generation would require network expansion.
In addition, market revenues can often be low due to seasonal fluctuations and overproduction in the summer. According to the analysis, alpine solar power plants may prove to be expensive and economically inefficient. In order to produce the same amount of electricity as a large nuclear power plant, around 625 alpine solar power plants the size of Gondosolar would have to be built.
Existing nuclear and hydropower plants remain unsurpassedly cheap.
The Axpo analysis emphasizes that wind energy, especially without subsidies, would potentially be more cost-effective in electricity production than solar energy. However, the existing nuclear and hydroelectric plants remained unsurpassedly cheap. In its scenario, which is based exclusively on renewable energy in 2050, Axpo also assumes 1,200 wind turbines in Switzerland. In the event of a dark break, there may be a need for gas-fired power plants that can run on green methane, which may have to be sourced from abroad.
Opposition to wind power projects and a focus on landscape protection could pave the way for new nuclear power plants. “If you still want a reliable power supply without being dependent on high imports of electricity or hydrogen, you cannot avoid new nuclear power plants,” NZZ writes. According to an analysis by Axpo, Switzerland could largely cover its winter electricity needs by itself if two new nuclear power plants the size of Leibstadt were built by 2050.
The nuclear power plants’ constant electricity production would make the need for reserve power plants unnecessary.
The construction costs of such power plants are estimated at EUR 8,100 per kilowatt output. This corresponds to values from projects in France or Great Britain. The challenge, however, would be that new construction is prohibited under current laws, and planning and commissioning a nuclear power plant can take up to two decades. The Axpo calculations show that a technology ban is not a good idea to achieve comprehensive decarbonisation, according to NZZ.
