Catalan nuclear plants stand ready to extend their operational lifespan as significant investments continue to ensure their reliability.
The Ascó and Vandellòs facilities in Tarragona have maintained perfect technical conditions through annual investments of €90-100 million, according to industry representatives who confirmed their preparedness should the government approve life extensions.
Catalan Nuclear Plants Maintain Operational Excellence
The three nuclear facilities – Ascó I, Ascó II, and Vandellòs II – have successfully completed periodic safety reviews and remain in optimal technical condition.
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Paulo Santos, director general of the Ascó-Vandellòs Nuclear Association (ANAV), emphasised their commitment to continuous improvement during a media briefing. “We continue investing approximately thirty million euros annually per unit to maintain and enhance our operations,” Santos stated.
Furthermore, the nuclear plants remain in a state of expectation regarding potential government approval for extended operation. Santos welcomed recent developments where owners of the Almaraz nuclear plant in Extremadura requested a two-year extension until 2030 from the Spanish government. “We’re waiting to see the government’s reaction,” he noted, adding that ANAV hopes all Spanish nuclear plants can continue operating.
Political Landscape and Operational Challenges
However, the political environment remains complex. Congress recently rejected an amendment to the Sustainable Mobility Law that would have removed defined closure dates for several nuclear plants, including Ascó I. This occurred despite Junts party abstention from the vote. Meanwhile, Ascó I currently holds operating permission until 2030, with Ascó II authorised until 2032 and Vandellòs II until 2035.
Santos highlighted that extension decisions ultimately rest with authorities, not plant operators. “What does depend on us, and what we’ll do until the last day they allow us, is operate our three nuclear units completely safely,” he affirmed. The organisation has implemented generational replacement within its workforce, maintaining an average employee age of 46 years through strategic young recruitment.
Additionally, ANAV faces significant operational challenges for 2026, particularly constructing new individual temporary storage facilities for spent fuel. The Vandellòs II facility should be available before April 2027, with Ascó’s following by October 2027. These developments come amid growing discussions about energy policy and government support for critical infrastructure projects.
Financial Pressures and Regional Impact
Moreover, Santos expressed concern about the substantial tax burden nuclear plants shoulder. “In five years, it has increased by 71%,” he revealed. “Nearly 60% of our 2025 budget goes toward taxes, and since 2020 we’ve paid almost €809 million for the Catalan environmental ecotax.”
Consequently, without this fiscal pressure, Santos argued energy prices could become more competitive for businesses. He warned that in a scenario without nuclear power in Catalonia, the Tarragona industrial estate would suffer most significantly. The ongoing debate about Catalan business operations and regional economic development continues to shape these discussions.
Therefore, as Catalan nuclear plants demonstrate their readiness for extended operation, the decision now rests with governmental authorities who must balance energy security, economic considerations, and environmental priorities in their forthcoming determinations.
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