Experts request more coverage in case of nuclear fallout

Since 1983, when the Nuclear Energy Liability Law came into effect, the proprietors of nuclear power plants have been liable for all accidents. However, the law only calls for SFr. 1 billion in insurance coverage to be set aside for the risk of nuclear accidents. This money has been the responsibility of Swiss Pool since the beginning of 2001.

The Federal Government insures up to SFr. 1 billion for unlikely events, which private insurance companies do not need to provide coverage for. Under this SFr. 1 billion, damage caused by natural catastrophes or as a result of war, as well as late claims of damage which was incurred as a result of either of these two circumstances, is covered.

Professor Peter Zweifel and Roland Umbricht, from the Social-Economic Institute of Zurich University, are calling for coverage to be raised. According to experts, a rise of SFr. 4 billion would mean a maximum of 0.14 rappen per kilowatt hour (KWh) extra for nuclear produced energy; a rise of SFr. 10 billion would mean a maximum of 0.60 rappen more. Currently, liability premiums come to an average of 0.058 rappen per KWh.

(la/dpa)