The government reached an agreement with major electricity companies in 2019. calendar for the gradual closure of all nuclear power plants this would lead to the total atomic cut in the country. The agreement with Endesa, Iberdrola, Naturgy and EDP means that the facilities will start in 2027 and last closing 2035.
In the midst of the energy crisis, several European countries have reconsidered their decision to abandon their nuclear parks early, and the Spanish nuclear industry is now taking action to pressure the Government to follow in its footsteps. The Spanish Nuclear Society (SNE), an organization that brings together professionals from the nuclear sector as well as related companies including Endesa, Iberdrola, Naturgy, EDP and their joint ventures in this sector, has published a manifesto. Calls execution to postpone scheduled closing dates and extending the life of Spanish nuclear power plants.
The organization asks the Government to take advantage of the mandatory revision of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), which it should undertake this year to include at least the maintenance of reactors scheduled to be shut down in the new energy roadmap by 2030. during these ten years.
“The prudent and reasonable thing is to delay, at the very least, the shutdown of nuclear production in Spain, conclusions reached in all countries of the world EUexcept SpainKeeping SNE partners in a manifesto, warn of the advisability of postponing the nuclear cut in the context of the crisis and energy price volatility, and the need for countries to maintain their energy autonomy due to current geostrategic pressure. Deepen efforts to generate emission-free electricity to combat the climate emergency.
for decades
The gradual and gradual shutdown of seven Spanish reactors agreed with the major power companies in 2019, Almaraz I in 2027, Almaraz II in 2028, Ascó I in 2030, Cofrentes in 2030, Ascó II projected to close in 2032, and Vandellós II in 2035. and Trillo in 2035. With this program, by 2030, Spain will disable around 4,000 MW of power from its electrical system.
“I think losing 12% of the electricity produced in our country and an energy source that includes prices of the wholesale market” emphasizes SNE in its manifesto. “As of today, it is technically impossible to meet the decarbonisation targets set by the PNIEC if 4 nuclear power plants are shut down before the end of 2030,” he says.
Government determined to defend protection no change in agreed closing dates. It was underlined from the manager that no company actually asked to change the deadlines and delaying the shutdown is not a solution to respond to the emergencies caused by the current energy crisis.
The schedule agreed between the government and the electricity companies will mean that Spanish nuclear power plants are operating on average at about approx. 46 years since launch. The nuclear industry insists that there are no technical barriers to keeping reactors active for more than 60 years.
“As nuclear professionals, based on our technical knowledge and experience in the industry, we certify the safe operation of nuclear power plants in this country and the ability to continue to operate for 60 years and more without any legal or technical limitations. it.engel” collects the manifesto. “The closing date of the nuclear park is a discussion based entirely on current data. political and financial criteria, not technical (…) Countries such as the United States, France, Japan or Belgium increase the life of their reactors to 60 or even 80 years. Operating for more than 40 years does not pose a technological or economic challenge”.
early decision
The nuclear industry warns that the time it takes to decide whether to review the power plant closure schedule is not unlimited and that the decision cannot be delayed if the initial closures are delayed. And a decision needs to be made this year or next year at the latest to delay the first closures, especially Almaraz I in 2027. Thus, the nuclear companies assign tasks to the current Administration or the next Government to come out of the elections scheduled for the end of the year.
“2023 is a key year for Spain because, There will be no going back unless a definite decision has been taken until 2024 on the contribution of nuclear energy in the 2030-2050 period. and the definitive shutdown of Almaraz 1 and its contribution to the Spanish electricity grid will be technically confirmed”, warns the Spanish Nuclear Society.
Electricity utilities must face an up-front process to plan the necessary investments and resources, and regulators must develop the working and preparation procedure for the extension of each nuclear power plant’s operating permit. In total, it takes about three years for the facility’s operating license to close.