The future of nuclear energy has returned to the media and political spotlight in Spain and other European countries. With upcoming decisions regarding the gradual closure of nuclear power plants and international pressure to strengthen energy security, the public debate is intensifying, raising numerous technical, social, and economic issues that affect citizens and industry.
Amid the transition to more sustainable energy models, the role of nuclear power is sparking highly polarized opinions. Spain's nuclear phase-out schedule, radioactive waste management, and the potential extension of plant lifecycles are issues that pit political parties, local associations, and experts against each other, while other countries are reviewing old bans and exploring new technological solutions.
The political and social landscape: open debate on closure and continuity
Opinions regarding the extension or closure of nuclear power plants vary depending on the region and political leanings. In areas like Extremadura, the potential closure of the Almaraz plant has mobilized thousands of residents and workers, who see this infrastructure as a fundamental pillar for employment and local development. Recent polls show that support for maintaining the plant is widespread, although the national positions of political parties tend to be more cautious and, at times, contradict the decisions made by regional branches.
The central government, pressured by decarbonization commitments and European energy policy, maintains a watchful stance: any revision of the nuclear refueling schedule must guarantee that it does not negatively impact consumers or the public budget. Electricity companies have expressed their willingness to comply with these conditions, while affected workers and municipalities are seeking solutions that will allow them to maintain operations without jeopardizing the social and economic stability of the surrounding area.
In Catalonia, the situation also presents challenges. The Ascó and Vandellòs nuclear power plants contribute a significant portion of the region's electricity generation, leading parties traditionally critical of nuclear energy to reconsider their stance in the face of the risk of supply shortages. This tension is mirrored in other regions, where uncertainty surrounding the phased closure of these plants pits the need for security of supply against the guidelines for ecological transition.
Political tensions are also evident in Europe, where countries like Belgium and France are opting to extend the lifespan of their reactors, and the European Commission is considering nuclear energy as part of the "green taxonomy" under strict safety and waste management conditions.
High performance and stability, but with pending challenges
According to the most recent data, nuclear energy is the technology that operates at full capacity for the most hours in the Spanish electricity system. During the last full year, nuclear power plants were operational for approximately 84% of the time, significantly more than other generation sources, including renewables. This high efficiency makes a crucial contribution to the stability and security of the energy supply.
However, nuclear energy is still not legally recognized as a renewable energy source in Spain or the European Union, which excludes it from incentives aimed at other clean technologies. National legislation focuses on promoting renewables and scheduling the closure of nuclear power plants between 2027 and 2035, strengthening a decarbonized energy system, but neglecting the specific benefits and problems of nuclear energy.
Despite this, nuclear energy remains a key tool in the energy security plans of many countries, especially after incidents such as the blackout in Spain, which highlight the importance of having sources that guarantee continuous and safe power.
Global resurgence and technological advances in waste management
Outside of Spain, nuclear energy is undergoing a revitalization process internationally. The International Energy Agency indicates that more than 40 countries are promoting projects to triple global nuclear capacity, primarily to reduce emissions. Eastern European countries, such as Poland, are developing large-scale nuclearization plans, supported by Spanish companies specializing in engineering and construction.
Waste safety and management remain significant challenges. Recent research has developed new tools to better understand the long-term behavior of radioactive waste. Advanced simulation technologies allow for the analysis of the interaction of these materials with their environment, including infrastructure and geological formations where they will be confined for centuries or millennia. These advances are crucial for improving planning and reducing the risks associated with waste storage—one of the most common arguments used by critics of nuclear energy.
Radioactive waste management requires dialogue and transparency. Institutions and experts agree that, in addition to technological solutions, a solid legal framework and international cooperation are essential to ensure safe treatment adapted to climatic and social variations.
New legislation, innovation and the role of security
The European Union has adopted an intermediate classification for nuclear energy: it does not consider it renewable, but it does include it on its list of climate-sustainable activities, provided it meets strict safety and waste management requirements. Spain, for its part, has made progress along these lines, banning new nuclear projects and establishing the gradual closure of existing plants through Climate Change Law 7/2021.
Experts believe that the future of nuclear energy must reconcile the green transition with the stability of the electrical grid, promoting safer and more efficient technologies and fostering a pluralistic and science-based social debate. They also emphasize the importance of maintaining qualified personnel to operate, decommission, and monitor the facilities, as well as a safety culture capable of anticipating and managing potential incidents. To learn more about how it works, you can consult how nuclear energy works.
