Anti-nuclear movement in Spain

The late 1950s and early 1960s saw a strong push from the Spanish Government to establish a national nuclear power industry. In response to the surge in nuclear power plant plans, a strong anti-nuclear movement emerged in 1973, which ultimately impeded the realisation of most of the projects.[1]

Conflict concerning the Lemóniz Nuclear Power Plant in the Basque province of Vizcaya was one of the major anti-nuclear issues in the 1970s and 1980s. Influenced by the civil opposition and the immense investment costs of the individual nuclear plant projects, the socialist government approved a moratorium in late March 1984, and ultimately only ten of the 37 originally planned commercial nuclear reactors were built in Spain. Since the liberalisation of the electricity market, no new nuclear power plant has been planned in Spain.[1]

The unresolved question of long-term disposal of high-level radioactive waste has been a contentious issue. Compared to other European Union countries, Spanish citizens generally show more negative attitudes towards the use of nuclear power.[1]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Lutz Mez, Mycle Schneider and Steve Thomas (Eds.) (2009). International Perspectives of Energy Policy and the Role of Nuclear Power, Multi-Science Publishing Co. Ltd, p. 371.