Leading nuclear companies present a manifesto for the continuation of nuclear power in Spain
A significant number of companies from the Spanish nuclear sector have presented and signed a manifesto advocating for the long-term operation of Spain's nuclear poewr plants. This 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."
Thus, the manifesto continues, "in our commitment to safety, the stability of electricity supply and economic decarbonization, we declare the following:"
"DIALOGUE AND RENEGOTIATION OF THE 2019 AGREEMENT
We urge the initiation of a dialogue and renegotiation of the 2019 agreement on the phased shutdown of nuclear power plants. 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.
REJECTION OF THE IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY AND COMPETITIVENESS OF AFFECTED REGIONS
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.
A CALL TO REVIEW THE ENERGY POLICY
We urge the Spanish government and relevant authorities to revise the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan to incorporate measures ensuring the continuity of nuclear energy. This energy source must be recognized as reliable, efficient and competitive, with low carbon emissions, and should receive fair treatment to encourage investment, as recommended by the World Economic Forum. Both the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the European Commission have highlighted the key role of nuclear energy in decarbonization and energy security.
We call 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. A notable example is Germany, where the nuclear phase-out has led to a loss of industrial competitiveness and increased dependence on CO₂-emitting energy sources.
DEFENDING THE EXTENSION OF THE OPERATIVE LIFE OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS AS A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION
Extending the operational life of nuclear power plants, 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 jeopardizing security of supply or the expansion of renewable infrastructures. Additionally, it would reinforce geostrategic independence from other nations.
To achieve this it is crucial to ensure the economic viability of nuclear power plants, with a special emphasis on the excessive tax burden imposed on the sector.
ACKNOWLEDGING THE MODERNIZATION AND EXCELLENCE OF SPANISH NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
Spanish nuclear power plants have been modernized and are capable of operating for many more years, up to 60 or even 80, in line with global trends. The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) has recognized their reliability and safety. 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," the manifesto states.
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 the country's ability to maintain a competitive and sustainable energy infrastructure.
Furthermore, this decision would discourage potential attraction to new strategic investments in key sectors such as data centers, energy-intensive industries and small modular reactors (SMRs)—all crucial for energy modernization and the reindustrialization of Spain. Losing this reliable and cost-stable energy source along with the specialized talent that supports it, would weaken the nation’s energy security and capabilities. It would also drive investment away from Spain, as companies may reconsider maintaining operations in a country that lacks stable, competitive and CO₂-free energy sources.
For all the above reasons, we the undersigned companies reaffirm our 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."
PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE SIGNING EVENT AVAILABLE HERE: https://www.flickr.com/photos/foronuclear/
