Spain’s blackout reignites nuclear debate

The recent blackout in Spain has led to a re-evaluation of the closure of nuclear power plants (NPPs), which are scheduled to close in the coming years. Initial investigations suggest that the cause of the blackout may be linked to the high use of photovoltaic energy in the Spanish electricity grid. This has raised questions about the country’s planned ecological transition, which aims to close all NPPs by 2035, starting with Almaraz, whose decommissioning began this year. According to Patricia Rubio, an engineer at the Almaraz NPP, the closure of the plant could exacerbate Spain’s electricity supply issues, compromising the stability and security of the national electricity grid, as well as the competitiveness of raw material prices in the market. Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential loss of jobs and the detrimental impact on the regional economy. Local authorities are calling for a combination of renewable energies, such as wind and solar, with nuclear power. The regional government of Extremadura, supported by the regional and provincial governments, is calling for the closure of Almaraz to be lifted, fearing a devastating social impact. Furthermore, the closure of this plant could potentially result in nationwide blackouts, compelling the Spanish government to seek energy supplies from international markets. However, the Spanish government is maintaining its commitment to the decommissioning of all NPPs.