Second career He runs a nuclear power plant and sings opera

Alexander Puhrer, a former opera singer turned nuclear power plant executive, continues to perform on stage during his evenings while managing the Gösgen Nuclear Power Plant in the canton of Solothurn. The 53-year-old Austrian native, who once was part of the permanent ensemble at the Graz Opera House, now leads over 600 employees at the facility, which features a 150-meter cooling tower dominating the local landscape. Despite his shift from the operatic stage to the corporate boardroom, Puhrer still finds time to sing, describing music as an essential part of his life. Puhrer’s transition began after he decided to prioritize family life over the demanding schedule of an opera career. “The theater life is difficult to combine with family life,” he explained. After marrying and starting a family, he chose to step away from the opera world. His decision came just before he pursued further education in nuclear engineering at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. This path led him to become the chief executive officer of the Gösgen Nuclear Power Plant, a role he has held for nearly two years. His journey into nuclear energy started with personal ambition. While studying physics alongside his singing career, Puhrer considered a future in the nuclear field. His wife encouraged him to pursue formal training in nuclear engineering, a suggestion that proved pivotal. Just weeks before the Fukushima disaster in Japan, Puhrer completed his studies and eventually secured his current position. Although he initially questioned whether he had chosen the right profession, he now sees his career move as a success. At the Gösgen plant, Puhrer's dual identity as both a CEO and an opera singer occasionally surfaces. While his staff may not immediately recognize his passion for performing, they notice his ability to engage audiences effectively. “When he speaks to people, you can tell he does it well,” says Herbert Meinecke, the plant’s operations manager. Puhrer himself acknowledges the synergy between music and science, noting that both disciplines require structure and logic. “Someone naturally inclined toward the sciences often finds resonance in music,” he remarked. Despite his professional responsibilities, Puhrer maintains a deep connection to the arts. He recalls fondly playing the character Papageno in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, one of his favorite roles. Even though he no longer performs professionally, singing remains a vital part of his daily routine. “Without singing, my life would feel incomplete,” he admitted. He expresses gratitude for being able to balance his main job with this cherished hobby. In the evenings, Puhrer takes to the stage again, performing at cultural venues such as the West Zofingen AG Cultural Center. On a warm summer evening, around 60 attendees gathered to witness his performance. The event highlighted how his diverse interests continue to shape his life. While his work at the nuclear plant brings recognition in different ways, the applause he receives on stage remains a highlight of his day.