- Full name: Ángel Argüello Tara
- Current position or responsibility: Head of Engineering for the Almaraz and Trillo Nuclear Power Plant projects at EAG
- Company: Empresarios Agrupados – GHESA (EAG)
- Education: Industrial Engineer specializing in Energy Technology
- Experience: 34 years, all of them in the nuclear sector
How many years have you been in your current position, and what are your main responsibilities? What motivated you to pursue your current role?
In 2018, I was appointed Head of Engineering and Design for the Almaraz and Trillo Nuclear Power Plant projects, known as TRIAL. As Head of Engineering for these two projects, my role is to provide technical leadership for the work we perform for our clients, ensuring its quality, scope, schedule compliance, and budget control. Fortunately, the range of work at both plants is very broad; consequently, our activities are highly varied and multidisciplinary. I have worked on these projects for many years. I began as trainee contract, then became a Project Engineer and subsequently Mechanical Discipline Project Manager. Being appointed Head of Engineering was a logical step in my long professional career.
What are the most interesting and rewarding aspects of your day-to-day work? Is there a personal or professional milestone you would particularly like to highlight?
Among the most interesting aspects of my work, I would highlight the wide range of activities carried out within my projects and the the need to comply with very stringent quality standards.. The most rewarding aspect has always been the outstanding professionalism and personal qualities of my colleagues, including the client personnel with whom we work.
What led you to the nuclear industry? How did those around you react to that decision?
From a young age, my vocation was to pursue a career in engineering. Entering the nuclear industry was a natural progression because my father already worked in this field, although not in an engineering-related role.
As members of a true family tradition in the nuclear field, how do you think your profession might influence your family members’ future career choices? Would you like them to remain connected to the nuclear industry? Would you encourage young people to pursue a career in this sector?
I do not believe I have set an inspiring example for my children’s career choices, as they have experienced firsthand the many hours I have devoted to my profession. Nevertheless, I encourage young people to pursue technical careers in engineering, whether in the nuclear field or in any other sector associated with electric power generation.
How has the industry evolved since you joined it? And now… what comes next?
Throughout my long professional career, I have experienced both better and more challenging periods. However, I sincerely believe that during the less optimistic times—such as the aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi accident—the industry drew valuable lessons that have made our plants more robust. Of greater concern to me are the circumstances Spain has faced in recent years, where an entire industry with high technological value and substantial domestic content is being targeted for dismantling without credible technical justification.
What message would you like to convey to your colleagues in the nuclear industry? And to those outside it?
I would encourage everyone working in our industry to continue striving to uphold the excellence that must always remain our primary objective. To those regarded as being outside the nuclear sector, I would say: before forming an opinion, seek information from independent sources.
Could you name two hobbies?
Playing football and listening to music—classical and not so classical.
And to get to know you a little better: one book, one song (or piece of music), and one film.
For the book, Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings; for the song, “La belleza” by Luis Eduardo Aute; and for the film, 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Finally, to conclude: a wish for the future, or a professional dream still to be fulfilled…
My professional dream is to witness a nuclear renaissance in Spain during the remaining years of my career.
