Foment del Treball calls for extending the life of the Ascó and Vandellòs nuclear power plants

Foment del Treball demands that the Spanish government extend the lifespan of the Catalan nuclear plants Ascó I, Ascó II, and Vandellòs II. This claim comes after the Ministry for the Ecological Transition has extended the Almaraz plant until 2030, leaving out the Catalan facilities.

The employers' association recalls that these three nuclear units produce around 60% of the electricity consumed in Catalonia and considers them a key element for economic competitiveness.

Foment del Treball's call for Catalan nuclear energy

Why does extending the life of Ascó and Vandellòs matter?

The 60% dependence of Catalan electricity on these nuclear plants makes their continuation a crucial issue for industry and energy security.

According to the employers' association, Catalonia cannot afford to do without stable, non-emissive energy that is essential to maintaining industrial competitiveness and ensuring a secure supply.

What has the Spanish government done so far?

The government has decided to extend the Almaraz plant until June 2030, after verifying its safety and cost-effectiveness for citizens.

However, it maintains the definitive shutdown schedule of the Spanish nuclear park in 2035, without including a specific review for the Catalan nuclear plants.

Local and economic impacts of the nuclear extension

How does this decision affect Catalan residents?

The continuation or closure of the Ascó and Vandellòs nuclear plants will have a direct impact on the price and availability of electricity in Catalonia.

For citizens and companies, stable and non-emissive energy is key to avoiding sudden price hikes and guaranteeing the operation of economic activities.

What consequences does it have for Catalan industry?

Catalan industry, especially activities with high energy consumption, depends on these plants to maintain its competitiveness in global markets.

The employers' association warns that losing this energy source could affect production capacity and increase operating costs.

What does Foment del Treball ask of the Spanish government?

What nuclear schedule revision does the employers' association propose?

Foment del Treball demands that the government review the nuclear schedule and apply the same safety, technical, and economic criteria for the Catalan plants as for Almaraz.

They want Ascó I, Ascó II, and Vandellòs II to be able to operate beyond the current dates, thus guaranteeing the continuity of a strategic energy source.

How does the employers' association defend the energy policy?

They consider that energy policy must be based on technical, economic, and supply security criteria, not on ideological approaches that could put Catalan industry and economy at risk.

For this reason, they welcome the extension of Almaraz and ask for the same decision to be applied to the Catalan nuclear plants.

Source of the article: Editorial / Catalan News Agency