California Needs a "ForoNuclear" for the State
Introducing the Spanish Nuclear Forum ForoNuclear
This article serves as an introduction to an article CGNP will be releasing soon regarding the unfortunate parallel between the current government of Spain and the government of the State of California. Both governments are planning on needlessly shutting down their nuclear power fleets to satisfy ideological demands. CGNP’s article establishes the connection between a unique Spanish tax on their nuclear power that will likely be shown to be an important root cause of the April 28, 2025 Iberian Peninsula blackout that killed at least seven Spaniards and caused economic damages denominated in the billions of U.S. dollars.
California plans to shut down Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) by 2030. Spain plans to shut down its fleet seven nuclear power plants by 2035. As the June 18, 2025 news release below notes, the (opposition) PP also notes in this bill proposal that Spain is currently the only county in the world that “has an operating nuclear fleet and decided to close it.” This opposition’s proposed legislation would delay the planned Spanish nuclear shutdown.
The Spanish term ForoNuclear means nuclear forum. Following the news release is a profile of ForoNuclear which currently consists of 33 ordinary partners and 16 affiliated partners. CGNP believes that California needs such a coalition to insure that DCPP continues to operate despite the apparent desires of firms such as Berkshire Hathaway’s PacifiCorp that would be commercially advantaged if DCPP were needlessly closed in 2030.
https://www.foronuclear.org/actualidad/noticias/el-congreso-tramitara-la-propuesta-de-ley-del-pp-para-la-continuidad-de-las-centrales-nucleares/ (Translated to English by Google Chrome. Some ForoNuclear articles are available in English.)
The Congress of Deputies has approved the consideration of the PP's bill to extend the closure schedule for Spain's nuclear power plants. It did so with 171 votes in favor from the PP and Vox, 7 abstentions from Junts, and a vote against from the PSOE, Sumar, and the rest of their partners, according to EFE and Europa Press .
On Tuesday, June 17, the Congress of Deputies approved the initiation of the Popular Party's (PP’s) bill to guarantee the contribution of nuclear energy to the decarbonization of the energy system . This proposal includes "the urgent re-evaluation of the situation of the nuclear fleet and the planned closure plan adopted by the Government." It urges a resolution as "there is not much time available to implement this re-evaluation."
The PP details in the proposal that "an unnecessarily early closure of our nuclear fleet, shortening its potential useful life, would not only contribute to rising electricity prices and emissions, but also result in lower resources for the National Radioactive Waste Company to cover storage costs, in addition to increased imports of scarce materials and raw materials, reduced industrial competitiveness, and less security and stability of supply […]."
PP: An urgent reassessment of the nuclear park situation is necessary
In short, the PP asserts, " this closure would increase electricity prices and reduce the guarantee, stability and continuity of supply , deteriorate our trade balance, increase waste and emissions, complicate the fight against climate change, increase Spain's dependence on energy shocks in the international market and, in conclusion, harm the competitiveness of our productive fabric, employment and impoverish all Spaniards ."
PP: Spain is the only country that, despite having nuclear power plants, has decided to close its nuclear park
The PP also recalls in this bill proposal that Spain is currently the only country in the world that "has an operating nuclear fleet and has decided to close it" and adds that " on February 12, the Congress of Deputies approved a non-legislative proposal requesting that the Government extend the deadlines planned for the scheduled closure of reactors , in accordance with an extension of nuclear operation under technical and economic criteria; that it facilitate the economic sustainability of nuclear facilities in a way that reflects the fundamental role of this technology in the energy transition, in guaranteeing a secure and stable electricity supply and in its contribution to reducing electricity market prices and greenhouse gas emissions; that it promote dialogue with city councils, provincial councils and autonomous communities; that it evaluate the economic impact and security of supply of a possible closure or that the Spanish nuclear sector be involved in decisions that may affect the future […]".
Learn more about the PP's proposed law here .
Related news
· Congress urges the Government to keep Spanish nuclear power plants operating for longer
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https://www.foronuclear.org/nuestros-socios/
At Foro Nuclear, we bring the nuclear industry's activities closer to society. This is a dynamic, competitive sector that exports technology, products, and services, is firmly committed to R&D&I, and creates wealth and stable, quality employment. It makes a significant contribution to the Spanish economy and, in turn, participates in global nuclear development.
We represent the interests of the Spanish nuclear sector before public administrations and other stakeholders . We support our partners' business opportunities nationally and internationally by promoting and supporting their participation in trade fairs, conferences, business meetings, and other events. We are a connection and networking center for the nuclear sector by bringing together the leading Spanish companies related to this technology.
Nuclear Forum members can be classified into four large groups:
· Electricity companies.
· Nuclear power plants.
· Companies operating nuclear and radioactive facilities, component manufacturers, and suppliers of nuclear systems.
· Engineering companies, nuclear and radiological services companies, nuclear technology development entities, and civil engineering and assembly companies.
Ordinary partners
Affiliated partners
AMAC (Association of Municipalities in Nuclear Power Plant Areas)
Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering of the Polytechnic University of Valencia
Higher and Technical School of Mining Engineers of the University of León
Higher Technical School of Mining and Energy Engineers of Madrid
SEOPAN (Association of Construction Companies and Infrastructure Concessionaires)
SERCOBE (National Association of Capital Goods Manufacturers)
For more information or to become a member please email:
Pilar Sánchez for ForoNuclear
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What do you think?
, Director of Training and Industry Support,
T: +34 91 553 63 03
industria@foronuclear.org