Gradually but steadily, public consultations are emerging that reveal a clear shift in society’s positive stance on nuclear energy. In Spain, for example, 67.8% of people do not support the closure of nuclear power plants if it means higher electricity bills. This is reflected in a recent Sigma Dos survey for the newspaper El Mundo. Of all the respondents, only 27.5% believe that energy independence is feasible within five years. It may be a bold move, but it seems that knowledge is overcoming ideology, and that some approaches should definitely be consigned to the past.
It is true that sensibilities are running high because economic uncertainty and global geopolitical upheaval have made the debate on nuclear energy more important around the world, including in Spain, where the imminent closure of the Almaraz nuclear power plant is a key issue. This is even more apparent following the zero event of 28 April, which made us realise how dependent we are on a robust electricity grid and how necessary it is to have reliable, complementary sources of generation.
The recent blackout event should make us think twice, but we should avoid the realm of myths, half-truths and political baggage, as some have tried to do. Demonising nuclear energy serves little purpose. From our perspective, it is much more useful to recognise it for what it is: a reliable and safe source of electricity generation in Spain that does not emit greenhouse gases. Once tax considerations have been taken into account, it would be more competitive and would bring clear benefits to consumers. It is in perfect condition to continue producing electricity for many years to come, and is, in short, a very useful resource.
As the Spanish Nuclear Society, we like to think that the work this organisation has been doing for years to promote communication and transparency as fundamental tools for dispelling myths and combatting misinformation is not in vain. We do not favour podiums or one-way communication; we prefer dialogue. There is no such thing as black or white, all or nothing. All technologies have their advantages and limitations. In recent days, many voices have once again been heard criticising nuclear energy, despite it being part of the solution rather than the problem. Fortunately, many other voices have also been heard expressing an interest in the technical debate and recognising the critical need for sufficient synchronous generation to guarantee grid balance, and the value of nuclear generation in this respect.
In any case, amid much ideology and misinformation, an increasing amount of knowledge can be discerned. In everything within our organisation’s remit, we will endeavour to continue along this path. As nuclear professionals, we also believe in the importance of communicating who we are, how we work, and what our installations are like, and how we contribute energy to the electricity system every day. In the face of noise and clichés, we offer reality and information. We will continue to look for ways to reach as many people as possible, and we remain at the disposal of anyone who wants to contribute to dispelling the myths through all our channels.
