putting an end to the traditional predilection of the swiss power utilities for hydroelectric power, in the beginning of the 1960s the then nordostschweizerische kraftwerke ag (nok, now part of axpo holding) started to take into account the construction of a nuclear power plant. on 23 december 1964 the swiss federal office of energy recognized the artificial island in beznau as potential location for a reactor. the corresponding construction permit was issued on 2 november 1965 and, after only four years, on 12 may 1969 commissioning was authorized. on 24 december 1969 beznau 1 started commercial operation.