A manifesto signed by 32 nuclear companies is urging the long-term operation of Spain’s NPPs and renegotiation of the 2019 nuclear phase-out agreement. The document, signed by EAG (Empresarios Agrupados-GHESA), Framatome, GDES, GE Vernova, IDOM and Westinghouse with additional support from other sector companies, expresses their concern “over the impact of the nuclear sector on industrial competitiveness and societal wellbeing”.
Spain currently has seven operating reactors at five NPPs. These include two pressurised water reactors (PWRs) at Almarez NPP (Extremadura), two PWRs at Ascó NPP (Tarragona), one boiling water reactor at Cofrentes NPP (Valencia), one PWR at Vandellós NPP (Tarragona) and one PWR at Trillo NPP (Guadalajara). Together they generate around 20% of Spain’s electricity. The closure will begin Almaraz 1 in November 2027 followed by unit 2 in October 2028. Then Ascó, Cofrentes, Vandellós and Trillo will close in sequence by 2035.
The manifesto urges the initiation of a dialogue and renegotiation of the 2019 agreement on the phased shutdown of nuclear power plants. It says: “This agreement was made under an industrial, geopolitical, social and economic context that is vastly different from today’s reality. Our industrial network must not see its competitiveness reduced due to the decision to shut down nuclear power plants starting in 2027, beginning with the Almaraz nuclear power plant, without first securing a viable alternative involving all CO2-free energy sources.”
It points out that the auxiliary industry that supports the nuclear sector generates nearly 20,000 stable, highly-skilled jobs including engineering firms, component manufacturers and support services. “The premature dismantling of these infrastructures would deal an irreparable economic and social blow to the regions where they operate. It would also affect national industrial competitiveness and weaken the country’s energy-related productive network.”
The document urges the Spanish government and relevant authorities to revise the National Integrated Energy & Climate Plan to incorporate measures ensuring the continuity of nuclear energy. “This energy source must be recognised as reliable, efficient and competitive, with low carbon emissions, and should receive fair treatment to encourage investment.”
The Manifesto calls for an energy policy based on technical and economic criteria, aligned with international practices that acknowledge nuclear energy as essential for the ecological transition. “We must also consider the evolution of energy policies in the current international landscape. Other countries are shifting their stance, realizing the need to rectify past decisions.”
Extending the operational life of NPPs, in line with the recommendations of the International Energy Agency, the European Commission and other European countries with realistic and sustainable energy strategies, “would ensure the sustainability of our increasingly demanding energy system without jeopardising security of supply or the expansion of renewable infrastructures”. In addition, it “would reinforce geostrategic independence from other nations”. To achieve this it is crucial to ensure the economic viability of NPPs, “with a special emphasis on the excessive tax burden imposed on the sector”.
The document points out that Spanish NPPs have been modernised and are capable of operating for many more years, up to 60 or even 80, in line with global trends. The Almaraz nuclear plant, in particular, has achieved outstanding electricity generation results, demonstrating its efficiency and relevance to the national energy system. “As auxiliary companies in the electric sector with extensive international experience, we confirm that Spanish nuclear power plants rank among the best in the world in terms of technology, safety and efficiency. This excellence not only ensures stability of supply but also strengthens Spain’s global industrial position.”
The early closure of nuclear power plants “will entail a high environmental and economic cost, affecting citizens and destroying thousands of jobs in the industry and associated sectors”. Additionally, it will cause “an irreparable loss of technological resources and human capital”, weakening Spain’s ability to maintain a competitive and sustainable energy infrastructure.
Early closure “would discourage potential attraction to new strategic investments in key sectors such as data centres, energy-intensive industries and small modular reactors (SMRs)—all crucial for energy modernisation and the reindustrialisation of Spain”. Losing reliable and cost-stable nuclear energy and the specialised talent that supports it, “would weaken the nation’s energy security and capabilities” and would also drive investment away from Spain.
For all these reasons, the signatories of the Manifesto reaffirmed their commitment to safety, sustainability and the development of the nuclear industry in Spain. “We advocate for a rational energy strategy that ensures the future of the nuclear sector as an essential part of a robust energy mix in our country.”
Earlier in February, the Plenary Session of Spain’s Congress approved a non-law proposal calling for the government to implement a series of measures that would effectively reverse the nuclear phase out policy. The proposal, which is not legally binding, was presented by the conservative People’s Party and passed with 171 votes in favour, 164 against and 14 abstentions.
