EAG (Empresarios Agrupados – GHESA) joins the leaders of the Spanish nuclear industry in defending the continued operation of nuclear power plants, highlighting their role in energy security, economic stability, and sustainability. In a joint manifesto, industry leaders call for a review of the 2019 agreement that plans for their gradual shutdown, citing economic and social repercussions, including the potential loss of 20,000 highly skilled jobs. EAG’s CEO, Javier Perea, emphasizes that these plants operate safely and efficiently, providing low-carbon energy. Nuclear power, recognized by the IAEA and the European Commission, is key to decarbonization and energy security. EAG advocates for a policy based on technical and economic criteria to ensure a sustainable energy future for Spain.
This document, signed by EAG (Empresarios Agrupados-GHESA), Framatome, GDES, GE Vernova, IDOM, and Westinghouse, along with additional companies in the sector, expresses their “concern about the impact of the sector on industrial competitiveness and societal well-being. Therefore, committed to safety, the stability of the electricity supply, and the decarbonization of the economy, we declare the following”:
DIALOGUE AND RENEGOTIATION OF THE 2019 AGREEMENT
We urge the opening of a dialogue and the renegotiation of the 2019 agreement on the phased closure of nuclear power plants. This agreement was adopted in an industrial, geopolitical, social, and economic context that was completely different from today. We cannot undermine our industrial competitiveness by closing nuclear plants starting in 2027—beginning with the Almaraz nuclear power plant—without first securing a viable alternative that includes all CO₂-free energy sources.
REJECTION OF THE ECONOMIC AND COMPETITIVENESS IMPACT ON AFFECTED REGIONS
The nuclear support industry generates nearly 20,000 stable and highly skilled jobs, encompassing engineering firms, component manufacturing, and support services. The premature dismantling of these infrastructures would deal an irreparable economic and social blow to the regions where they operate, while also harming national industry competitiveness and weakening the energy-related production network.
CALL FOR A REVIEW OF ENERGY POLICY
We urge the Government of Spain and the relevant authorities to review the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), incorporating measures to ensure the continuity of nuclear energy. This energy source must be recognized as reliable, efficient, competitive, and low-carbon, receiving fair treatment to incentivize investment, as recommended by the World Economic Forum. Both the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the European Commission have highlighted the key role of nuclear power in decarbonization and energy security. We call for an energy policy based on technical and economic criteria, aligned with international best practices that recognize nuclear energy as essential for the ecological transition. We must also closely monitor the evolution of energy policies in the current international context. Other countries are reversing previous decisions—Germany, for example, has shifted from being a global industrial leader to losing competitiveness and relying on CO₂-emitting energy sources.
DEFENDING LIFETIME EXTENSION OF NUCLEAR PLANTS AS A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION
Extending the operational life of nuclear power plants—aligned with recommendations from the IEA, the European Commission, and policies in European countries with realistic and sustainable energy strategies—would ensure the sustainability of our increasingly energy-demanding system without compromising supply security or the expansion of renewable infrastructure. It would also strengthen geostrategic independence. Therefore, ensuring the economic viability of nuclear plants is crucial, particularly by addressing the excessive tax burden they face.
RECOGNITION OF THE MODERNIZATION AND EXCELLENCE OF SPANISH NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
Spanish nuclear power plants have been modernized and are capable of operating for many more years—up to 60 or even 80 years—following international trends. The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) has recognized their reliability and safety. The Almaraz nuclear plant, in particular, has achieved excellent generation performance, demonstrating its efficiency and importance to the national energy system. As auxiliary companies in the electricity sector with extensive international experience, we confirm that Spanish nuclear plants rank among the best in the world in terms of technology, safety, and efficiency. This excellence not only ensures supply stability but also strengthens the Spanish nuclear industry’s position in the global market.
Read the full press release here.