Overall emergency exercise 2024 with the Gösgen nuclear power plant
From November 5 to 7, federal and cantonal authorities as well as technical companies such as SBB, PostBus and Swissgrid will be practising how to deal with an accident at the Gösgen nuclear power plant (KKG). In addition to emergency protection at the power plant, the exercise focuses on preparations for a large-scale evacuation. The exercise includes helicopter flights and the deployment of mess crews. Full-scale emergency drills take place every two years.
Every two years, the Federal Office for Civil Protection FOCP conducts a general emergency exercise (GNU) together with participating agencies. This is done in rotation with one of the three Swiss nuclear power plants in operation. This year, the GNU is being held in collaboration with the Gösgen nuclear power plant. The exercise will take place from November 5 to 7, 2024 and may be visible from the outside.
On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the transport of emergency material such as generators and pumps by helicopter and army truck will be practised. This will involve aircraft movements between the Gösgen nuclear power plant and the central storage facility for emergency material in Reitnau AG. The emergency material is also transported to the KKG by truck. A breakdown of a truck is simulated in Staffelbach AG, which requires a helicopter operation for onward transportation to the KKG. Swissgrid takes part in a GNU for the first time. The company is testing its crisis organization in real time. In addition, from Wednesday, November 6 to Thursday, November 7, exhibition teams will train in measuring radioactivity at various locations in northern Switzerland, primarily in the canton of Solothurn.
The operation of the nuclear power plant will not be affected by the exercise.
Working together to protect the population
The aim of the exercise is to train authorities and emergency organizations for a nuclear power accident. A final report will show which plans and processes have proved successful and where there is potential for optimization.
In addition to the Gösgen nuclear power plant, the agencies involved include the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI), the Federal Civil Protection Staff, the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), the Defence Group, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), several cantonal laboratories, the cantonal command staff of Solothurn, command staff of other cantons, in particular the neighboring cantons of the canton of Solothurn, and technical companies such as SBB, PostBus and Swissgrid.
Source: babs.admin.ch
