Sama Bilbao (WNA): "I am concerned about the nuclear shutdown in Spain"
During an informational meeting in Madrid, Sama Bilbao, Director General of the World Nuclear Association, indicated that the world is looking to nuclear energy because it needs "abundant, clean and affordable energy available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year." In her opinion, nuclear energy plays an essential role in the energy transition and reduction of emissions, and for this reason she is concerned about Spain's plans to forgo this technology.
Sama Bilbao conveyed the global nuclear momentum we are currently experiencing. In her opinion, the need for energy sources that aid decarbonization and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, along with the importance of investing in technologies that offer stability, supply security and energy sovereignity, has led the world to support nuclear energy. According to Ms. Bilbao, "progress and socioeconomic development require abundant, clean and cheap energy 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For this reason, major energy users—including heavy industry, chemicals, transportation and artificial intelligence— are turning to nuclear."
While the world embraces nuclear energy, she is concerned that Spain may not be using it in the long term according to its plans to begin a nuclear shutdown in 2027, since "it is a technology that plays an essential role in the energy transition and reduction of ." This concern was reflected in the conclusions of the latest Climate Summit, which recognized the role of nuclear energy in curbing CO2 emissions. Within the framework of the latest Summits, "31 countries have signed their commitment to triple nuclear power by 2050," she asserts.
Sama Bilbao: "A large number of countries have recognized that it is no possible to achieve environmental goals without nuclear energy"
The director of the organization that represents the global nuclear industry states that "a large number of countries have recognized that it is not possible to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement in a sustainable, affordable, quick and equitable manner without nuclear energy".
For his part, Fabián Torres, Dean of the Official College of Industrial Engineers of Madrid (COIIM), who welcomed all attendees, stated that "in a context of growing energy and climate complexity, industrial engineers have publicly expressed their support for nuclear energy and, specifically, for the continuity of Almaraz, as it is a key infrastructure and an essential socioeconomic driver."
"Nuclear energy is essential alongside renewables," says the Dean of the Official College of Industrial Engineer of Madrid
For COIIM, global challenges, including the urgency to decarbonize the economy and the growing geopolitical volatility, make it essential to have a balanced approach to the energy mix. According to the Dean, "nuclear energy, alongside renewables, has become a key tool to ensure stability of supply and move towards a sustainable future."
In his speech, Foro Nuclear President Ignacio Araluce stated that he shares these views regarding the significant role of nuclear power plants in our country, as they are essential, while also highlighting the need to reduce the excessive tax burden they face.
