Sama Bilbao (WNA): “I am concerned about Spain’s economic future without nuclear energy”

Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association (WNA), states that the world is turning to nuclear energy because it needs “abundant, clean, and affordable energy available 24/7, 365 days a year.” In her opinion, nuclear energy plays a crucial role in the energy transition and in reducing emissions, which is why she is concerned that Spain has plans to forgo this technology.

During her visit to Spain, Ms. Bilbao y León highlighted the global nuclear momentum currently underway. In her opinion, the need for sources that aid in decarbonization and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, along with the importance of investing in technologies that provide stability, security of supply, and energy sovereignty, has led to a global shift toward nuclear energy. She stated, “Progress and socioeconomic development require abundant, clean, and affordable energy, available 24/7, 365 days a year. For this reason, major energy consumers—including heavy industry, the chemical sector, transportation, and artificial intelligence—are turning to nuclear energy.”

While the world embraces nuclear energy, she is concerned that Spain will not be relying on it in the long term and is planning to begin shutting down nuclear plants in 2027. She emphasized that “this is a technology that plays an essential role in the energy transition and reduction of emissions.” This stance has been reflected in the conclusions of the latest Climate Summit, where nuclear energy was recognized as crucial in putting a stop to CO_₂ emissions. Moreover, during recent summits, “31 countries have signed a commitment to triple nuclear energy's contribution by 2050,” she affirmed.

As the head of an organization representing the global nuclear industry, she stated that “a large number of countries have acknowledged that it is impossible to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement in a sustainable, economical, fast, and fair manner without nuclear energy.”

Fabián Torres, Dean of the Official College of Industrial Engineers of Madrid (COIIM), expressed that “in a context of increasing energy and climate complexity, industrial engineers have publicly declared their support for nuclear energy and, specifically, for the continued operation of the Almaraz nuclear power plant, as it is a key infrastructure and an essential socioeconomic driver.”

For COIIM, current global challenges—including the urgency of decarbonizing the economy and increasing geopolitical volatility—necessitate a balanced approach to the energy mix. According to the Dean, “nuclear energy, alongside renewables, is a fundamental tool for ensuring supply stability and advancing toward a sustainable future.”

Ignacio Araluce, President of Foro Nuclear, shares these views regarding the critical role of nuclear power plants in Spain while also stressing the need to reduce the excessive tax burden on the industry.

Bio

Sama Bilbao y León has been Director General of the World Nuclear Association (WNA) since 2020 and serves as President of the World Nuclear University. She has over 20 years of experience in nuclear engineering and energy policy. She has worked in both industry and academia and has held senior positions at the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and the International Atomic Energy Agency of the United Nations. Sama Bilbao holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Master’s Degree in Energy Technologies, a Master’s Degree and a PhD in Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics, as well as an MBA.