The Almaraz nuclear power plant has been recognized as one of the best in the world
The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) has placed the facility in Cáceres, Spain, in the select group of plants with "excellent performance," having already met the five global nuclear industry objectives set for 2030.
As a result, the Almaraz nuclear power plant is considered a global benchmark. It ranks at level 1 of WANO and is among the 11 out of 65 plants affiliated with the WANO Paris Center.
This nuclear power plant from Extremadura, Spain, is an international bechmark: it already meets 5 of the global nuclear industry objectives set for 3030
The international experts from this organization have considered the fact that this plant from the region of Extremadura has not recorded any significant incidents, unexpected degradation or declines in its performance. It also maintains a WANO Index above 80%, which includes indicators such as unplanned outages, availability, dose rate, accident rate and more
This public recognition took place at WANO's 17th Biennial General Meeting (BGM) held in Abu Dhabi, which brought together over 400 delegates from 35 countries to address key opportunities and challenges for the nuclear industry in the coming years, under the theme "Fusing Futures: Sustainable Performance in the Tech and Net Zero Era".
Representing Almaraz-Trillo Nuclear Power Plants (CNAT), its general director, Javier Ugedo, spoke at the event. He noted that Almaraz contributes approximately 450 million euros annually in taxes, following the recent 30% increase in the "Enresa fee", of which around 100 million euros correspond to Extremadura. "This surpasses all its combined operating costs and stifles its economic activity," he stated.
Almaraz bears a tax burden of 450 million euros per year, which, according to its representatives, “economically stifles” the plant
The Almaraz nuclear power plant is a vital infrastructure
Like the rest of the Spanish nuclear fleet, Almaraz ensures an essential service such as supplying electricity. It plays a key role in the energy transition as it does not emit greenhouse gases. The Cáceres plant produces annually the equivalent of the consumption of 4 million households.
It is the main socioeconomic driver of its region and one of the largest industries in Extremadura. It generates highly skilled and long-term jobs, in addition to having a ripple effect on other industries. Specifically, it directly and indirectly employs around 3,000 people, with an additional 1,200 workers joining during refueling outages.
The Almaraz nuclear power plant annually produces the electricity consumption of 4 million households without emitting CO2 and employs 3,000 people
Its owners invest 50 million euros annually in the improvement, upgrading, and modernization of its equipment. This ensures that the Almaraz nuclear power plant remains in optimal technical conditions to continue operating, even up to 80 years (2063), similar to North Anna (Virginia, USA), its twin plant, which has already been licensed to operate for 80 years.
