Xove Nuclear No!: half a century of authorization for the plant that social protest toppledOn August 23, 1976, fifty years ago, Spain’s Official State Gazette (BOE) published the preliminary authorization for a nuclear power plant in Regodola, Xove, granted by the Directorate General of Energy under the Franco regime. The project, proposed by a consortium including FENOSA, was intended to have a 1,000 MW light-water reactor. Local residents challenged this decision, but their appeal was rejected nine months later. This authorization occurred amid a broader push for nuclear energy during the dictatorship, which had already begun constructing first-generation reactors like Zorita, Garoña, and Vandellós I in the 1960s. By 1976, three reactors were operational, three under construction, and fifteen more planned. However, due to growing public opposition and a nuclear moratorium imposed by the Socialist government in 1984, many projects, including the Xove plant, were ultimately abandoned.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced historical account of the authorization process for the Xove nuclear plant, highlighting both the government’s actions and the subsequent public opposition. It does not favor any particular political stance, focusing instead on documented events and historical context
From Almaraz to Ascó and Vandellós: the melon of extending the life of Catalan nuclear plants is reopenedThe article discusses the ongoing debate over extending the operational life of three Spanish nuclear power plants, Almaraz, Ascó, and Vandellós, in Catalonia. While the extension of Almaraz’s operation until 2030 has generated hope among local supporters who see it as a potential precedent for delaying closures of other reactors, environmentalists and leftist groups argue against such extensions. The current plans call for the closure of Ascó I by 2030, Ascó II by 2032, and Vandellós II by 2035, with similar timelines for Almaraz and Cofrentes. The issue intersects with broader economic and energy models, as these plants provide high-quality jobs and contribute to regional economies. Local leaders like Miquel Àngel Ribes and Assumpció Castellví support the extension, emphasizing national energy needs and safety standards, while critics like Alfons Pérez López argue that the debate is tied to economic structures and question the sustainability of continued reliance on nuclear energy.
Bias read (Center): While the article presents arguments from both pro-nuclear and anti-nuclear perspectives, it does not clearly favor one side over the other. It includes voices from local officials supporting extension, environmental advocates opposing it, and academic critics questioning the economic model. The phr
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