Citizens of Switzerland on Sunday, May 21, in a popular referendum voted for a step-by-step rejection of nuclear energy and the transition to alternative sources. According to preliminary estimates, 58 percent of the participants in the plebiscite approved the relevant initiative of the government, according to DW.

The new law, which will enter into force in 2018, involves a gradual transition to renewable energy sources by 2050 and a reduction in energy consumption. Five Swiss nuclear power plants will operate until the guarantees for their reliable functioning expire - according to experts, another 10 to 15 years. At the same time, new nuclear power plants will no longer be built. The complete disconnection of all nuclear power plants until 2029 the Swiss rejected in a referendum in November 2016.

The new Swiss law also prescribes to limit emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and increases subsidies for the development of renewable energy sources.

After the accident at the Japanese nuclear power plant "Fukushima", which suffered from the earthquake and tsunami in 2011, in Switzerland, the number of citizens advocating the abandonment of nuclear energy. Given the mood in society, the government and parliament of the country announced the beginning of a phased withdrawal from nuclear energy.

Now in the country almost 60 percent of electric power is produced by hydroelectric power stations and other sources, the share of nuclear power plants is 40 percent.