Second stage of Spanish nuclear power plants
Questions and answers

Second stage of Spanish nuclear power plants

When the time came in Spain to undertake the projects for the next generation of nuclear power plants, there was a new legislation that had already been successfully tested in the construction of several thermal fossil fuel power plants: the Mixed Equipment Construction Regime, which provided a series of administrative incentives and fiscal advantages.

National industry found support to re-organize itself and become familiar with the codes and norms used in the nuclear world

The numerous mixed authorizations granted to constructors determined the percentages of nationalization that had to be accomplished, and their future evolution. This way, national industry found support to re-organize itself and become familiar with the codes and norms used in the nuclear world, and to acquire a new awareness regarding the quality requisites required of nuclear energy.

What nuclear power plants were part of this second stage?

The nuclear power plants that were part of second stage were Almaraz I and II, Lemóniz I and II, Ascó I and II and Cofrentes. At the time of Preliminary and Construction Authorizations, the degrees of national participation established were higher than in the previous stage.

Thus, the Preliminary Authorization of the Almaraz nuclear power plant fixed the percentage at a 50% minimum, according to the instructions from the 1969National Electricity Plan; and the Construction Authorization at the site elevated it to a minimum of 60%, following the guidelines set by the first revision of the 1972 National Electricity Plan.

Second stage of Spanish nuclear power plants
Almaraz I and II Nuclear Power Plant
Second stage of Spanish nuclear power plants
Lemóniz I and II Nuclear Power Plant (it was never connected to the grid)

Local engineering companies also established agreements with foreign counterpants, towards gradually reaching independence

At what percentage did the nuclear Spanish Industry participate?

The co-operation from the offices of technologists in Spain was very important. Local engineering companies also established agreements with foreign counterpants, towards gradually reaching independence. As a result, a peripheral infrastructure of national auxiliary industry was created, and consequently there was an increase in the degree of national participation in projects.

In 1975, the first National Energy Plan was published. Its long-term planning provided enough reliable knowledge of the market horizon and perspectives of the local energy market. This plan of the Administration managed to prepare the Spanish industry within reasonable time for its participation in nuclear power plant projects. The important market that was created in Spain during the seventies allowed for a great development of national nuclear build industry.

Second stage of Spanish nuclear power plants
Ascó I and II Nuclear Power Plant
Second stage of Spanish nuclear power plants
Cofrentes Nuclear Power Plant
  • Newsletter

    Subscribe to our newsletter and we will keep you up to date with the latest news in the nuclear field.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.