Spain’s Foro Nuclear Calls For ‘New Regulatory Framework’

1 Jun (NucNet): The continued operation of the Spanish commercial nuclear fleet is vital for the country’s energy security, but a new regulatory framework is needed that makes it viable, Spanish nuclear industry group Foro Nuclear said in a report on 31 May 2017. The Madrid-based group said any proposed energy transition in Spain requires consensus as well as a “rigorous and technical analysis” of the contributions of different energy sources. Nuclear will guarantee supply and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Foro Nuclear said. The Spanish nuclear industry, which has a presence in over 40 countries, is a source of wealth, creates thousands of jobs and has technological capacities that allow Spanish nuclear plants to operate with the highest safety assurances. Spain’s seven nuclear units have “excellent performance indicators and are leaders in the production of electricity, said Foro Nuclear president Ignacio Araluce. Nuclear generation accounted for 21.38% of Spain's total electricity output in 2016, up from 20.34% in 2015 and more than any other source, according to statistics from grid operator Red Eléctrica de España (REE). Wind accounted for 18.19% of total electricity output and hydro for 14.92%. The report is online (Spanish only) http://bit.ly/2robK2O