This could strengthen the nuclear regulatory authority, as a clear counterweight

The task is challenging: The nuclear regulatory authority of the Federal government (Ensi) moves not only in a technically complex field, but also in a politically charged. This is particularly true for the Director, which the authority has given a face to. Since 2010, Hans Wanner holds this Post. He has led the Ensi through a turbulent time: in 2011 it came to the nuclear disaster of Fukushima, in 2017, the Swiss people decided on the nuclear phase-out were – controversial – Decisions, among other things, to new safety requirements for nuclear reactors.

Soon Wanner assigns. He will be next year, 65 and is retiring. The Ensi has started the search for a successor; the job advertisement that has switched to the Supervisory authority on its Website shows. The requirement profile is multi-layered: the "initiative" leadership person, preferably with technical-know's sheep to a considerable degree and PhD, ideally with practical experience in the field of nuclear energy, with specific knowledge in the field of nuclear safety and the safety of a geological deep storage. Desired more "distinct abilities" to communicate with the media, politics, industry and administration.

Start in the summer of 2020

Wanners successor is to commence in the summer of 2020 their work. Politically relevant is the question of the independence of the new leadership. "For the avoidance of conflicts of interest," shall the candidate be "today" not in the company, which oversees the Ensi, does not mean it in an advertisement, in one of the five nuclear power plants in Switzerland. This means, however, that Has worked for a candidate once there is no compelling reason for Exclusion from the circle of contenders. Wanner himself was never in a NUCLEAR power plant operates, how he has given to the 2011 Protocol.

opponents of Nuclear power see here the potential for conflict, especially since the Swiss nuclear industry is manageable. Florian Kasser, Greenpeace hopes to have a personality, the neutral is set to critical of nuclear technology. "This could strengthen the nuclear regulatory authority, as a clear counter-weight to the operators."

hope on "Person of integrity"

Nils Epprecht, head of the Swiss energy Foundation (SES), wishes for a "Person of integrity who has sufficient distance to the nuclear industry and the risks of the oldest NUCLEAR power plant Parks in the world with unlimited operating licence is not sufficiently aware of". Wanner have professionally communicated, was friendly and correct. He, too, have done much to make the Ensi in the Public domain regardless, so Epprecht.

"However, the Ensi has become under his leadership more transparent." It had decided to – just in the nick of time – in case of doubt, in the sense of the operator. For example, the re-commissioning of the NUCLEAR plant cooling at Beznau or, again, in the case of Beznau – in the case of the repeatedly delayed deadlines for the retrofit of the fuel element basin.

The allegations of the opponents of Nuclear power are not new – nor is the response of the Supervisory authority, the always assured, independent, and transparent communication.

Clear ideas about Wanners successor will not only have opponents of Nuclear power, but also exponents of the bourgeois camp, FDP councillor Damian Miller: "I expect that he deals competently, but nevertheless, a critical view of the matter." He had to position the Ensi so that it is obliged first and foremost to the protection of the population.

Ensi Board selects Director

The Job of the new Ensi Director does not receive just like that, he is chosen by the Ensi Board, the Supervisory body of the Ensi, the members of the Bundesrat are appointed. The opponents of Nuclear power see it as a Test for the Ensi Board, which is able to prove with his choice, its independence from the nuclear industry.

Who could, on Wanner to follow, seems to be currently completely open. As a possible contender in the current Ensi-Deputy Director of the Georg Black. In addition, no specific names are circulating. It may also create external applicants in the shortlist, as of 2010. The race was at the time, but Wanner – and one that had proven itself in the Ensi as the head of the Department for disposal. (Editorial Tamedia)

Created: 15.04.2019, 15:37 PM