The Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge has renewed for ten years the authorization to operate the Trillo nuclear power plant, in the province of Guadalajara, as published this Thursday in the Official State Gazette (BOE) . This extension of the useful life of the plant, at least until 2034, when it will expire in 2028will require extending its operation beyond 40 years.
The authorization follows the favorable report that the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) issued last July, based on “the proper functioning of the Trillo plant and the maintenance of an adequate level of security to continue operating”.
Thus, it is authorized to “store slightly enriched uranium fuel elements, in accordance with the technical limits and conditions contained in the reloading safety study of each cycle and the limits and conditions linked to specific fresh fuel storage authorizations. And “. irradiated. The concessionaire will also be able to operate the plant up to a core thermal power of 3,010 MWt, in addition to possessing, storing and using radioactive materials, nuclear substances and radiation sources necessary for the operation of the facility.
On the other hand, following the CSN evaluation, there was a “thorough and comprehensive review of the safety status of the plant”, given that the installation will celebrate its 40 years of operation in 2028 and Then it will enter what is called long-term operation (PLO).
The Trillo nuclear facility is owned by Iberdrola Generación Nuclear, SAU, which has a 49 percent stake; Gas Natural Fenosa Generación, SLU, with 34.5 percent; Iberenergía, SAU, with 15.5 percent; and Endesa Generación, SAU, with one percent.
In 2023, a gross production of 8,295 GWh was recorded, while the gross electric energy production accumulated initially and until December 31 was 288,472 GWh. Trillo generates three percent of the annual electricity demand, which is equivalent to the consumption of two million Spanish homes. The plant has a pressurized water reactor with a thermal power of 3,010 MWt and three cooling loops of German Siemens-KWU technology, using enriched uranium as fuel.
CNAT criticizes Enresa for increasing the rate by 30 percent
The Almaraz-Trillo Nuclear Power Plant Company (CNAT), operator of the Trillo facility, criticized the 30 percent increase in the tariff charged by the National Radioactive Waste Company (Enresa), “which, with the taxes that support nuclear activity, this represents its economic asphyxiation. And remember that when the closing protocol was signed in 2019, which indicated that Trillo would be extended until 2035, there was already a 20 percent rate increase.
In a press release, the CNAT specifies that the Trillo factory “is a vital infrastructure which guarantees an essential service such as the supply of electrical energy, thanks to the work and commitment of its professionals”. Generates 1,300 jobsto which are added 1,000 additional workers during recharge periods.
Finally, it emphasizes that it is located “at the highest levels of excellence in the nuclear industry, according to the World Association of Nuclear Operators”, with “investments of more than 40 million euros on average annually to improve its security, its updated and modernized technologies.
