Nuclear energy on Tenerife and the other islands is ruled out, aligning the Canary Islands with the National Spanish Government.
The debate over whether nuclear energy is necessary remains ongoing in Europe. The disagreements between countries and their plans to become self-sufficient are central to the context of the transition to renewable energy sources, with the goal of achieving healthier living on a cleaner planet.
Spain
France appears to be the country with the strongest commitment to nuclear power, to the point of proposing the opening of eight new nuclear plants by 2050 — currently, nuclear power provides 70% of its electricity. The country has drafted a plan to achieve 13 gigawatts of capacity.
Spain, on the other hand, is at the opposite end of the spectrum, and the Canary Islands are also not eager to invest in nuclear energy. In a parliamentary response, the Canary Islands government stated that no research had been conducted on building nuclear power plants, especially as it falls outside its jurisdiction. Nonetheless, the region is aligned with the national plans, which focus on more sustainable energy sources.
Planning
The Spanish government has established the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), with the aim of gradually phasing out nuclear energy. A timeline has been set for operational nuclear plants to be decommissioned between 2027 and 2035, with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality. The Canary Islands share this ambition and are following the national plans.
Law 25/1964, dated April 29, on nuclear energy, stipulates that the state administration is responsible for the planning and preparation, in collaboration with the Nuclear Safety Council, of programs for the introduction of nuclear energy into the national supply.
Other Countries
Meanwhile, other European countries continue to hold onto nuclear energy. Earlier this year, the so-called Nuclear Alliance was formed, which includes not only France but also Poland, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Sweden, Croatia, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. These countries see nuclear energy as a solution to the problem of renewable energy storage. Gas is also considered a transitional option, though Germany is in favor of this.
In April, French President Macron defended the reactivation of his country’s nuclear program to meet the increasing demand for electricity. He even considers it the energy of the future. Portugal, on the other hand, is trying to eliminate nuclear energy, while Italy is considering reintroducing it.
Geothermal Energy
In the Canary Islands, there is potential for developing geothermal energy to work alongside other ecological energy sources to create a sustainable archipelago.
The national plan also focuses on the exploration of renewable energy sources, such as hydrogen.
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Nuclear energy on Tenerife ©
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