“We will not resign ourselves”: Spaniards rally against nuclear phase-out
The Almaraz protest marks a turning point for Europe
If you’ve ever been to a climate change or anti-nuclear protest, this image of thousands of people marching with a banner may seem familiar. But look closer, because this photograph tells a different story. On Saturday 18 January, something remarkable happened in Europe: over 10,000 people marched to protest the planned closure of Spain’s Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant.
The rally was organised by Sí a Almaraz, Sí al futuro, translated as Yes to Almaraz, Yes to the Future, an organisation formed on 20 December 2024 when Spaniards decided to take matters of energy security into their own hands. Yes to Almaraz, Yes to the Future describes their aim as “to defend the continuity of the nuclear power plant, the main economic engine of the region and an essential link in the electrical system of the whole of Spain.”
The group is composed of a diverse mix of politicians, experts, and workers, including initiative President Fernando Sánchez, and a Shift Manager at the Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant, Manuel Carreño. They have gained the support of all the mayors in the region, including Juan Antonio Díaz, the mayor of Almaraz, for their protest against the plant's closure.
Why is the Spanish government closing nuclear power plants? It seems that Spain missed the memo and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is following in Germany’s footsteps with a plan that mirrors their (disastrous) Energiewende policy. It began in 2017, when the Portuguese parliament approved a motion by the Green Party (PEV) to request that the Spanish government close the Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant.
Spain has set a goal for “renewables” to provide the bulk of its total energy mix by 2050. Under this plan, the government aims to phase out all nuclear power plants by 2035, starting with decommissioning the first reactor in 2027, with Almaraz set to be the first nuclear power plant to close.
Closing nuclear power plants devastates local communities, which is something I've witnessed first-hand. The Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant provides over 3,000 jobs and contributes over 5% to the region of Extremadura's GDP. Residents argue that closing the plant will lead to local economic decline and contribute to depopulation and demographic ageing as young people leave the area to seek work elsewhere.
Spain currently operates seven nuclear reactors, which supply over 20% of the country's electricity. The Almaraz plant alone meets around 7% of Spain's annual electricity demand, and helps prevent the release of six million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year. Recognised by the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) as one of the safest and most reliable plants globally, Almaraz contributes 435 million euros annually to public finances through taxes.
Clarifying their demands, the initiative presented a manifesto titled “We will not resign ourselves” at the entrance of the plant, supported by dozens of mayors. They describe the plant as the "engine of life and progress" for the area and are demanding that its future be secured. One local resident told the press: “The power plant is the engine that largely feeds the small family businesses in Campo Arañuelo and its surroundings”. Other slogans emerged, including one from the leader of the regional socialists: “We say no to closure, while that alternative does not exist.”
Rally speakers did not mince their words. Mayor Fernando Sánchez is confident that they can reverse the ban, stating at the rally that "we are going to win this battle and the first fight, today's, we won by knockout". “This closure would lead to the depopulation of our rural world, because we are rural and we say it very loudly”.
Read my post on why workers should have a greater voice in the debate:
I spoke to Guillem Sanchez Ramirez, Co-Founder of Econucleares, an environmental organisation dedicated to the defence of nuclear energy in Spain. Guillem, who attended the rally, told me: “The energy was great. They said in advance that they expected 10,000 people but it was surprising that they actually managed that. It is obvious that closing the plant is just a death sentence for the whole region. I'd say it has a good chance of being the turning point in terms of public perception.”
For someone like Guillem, who holds a degree in Engineering Physics, Master’s degrees in Applied Mathematics and Nuclear Engineering, and works in Spain’s nuclear sector, it must be incredibly frustrating to see his country take such an unscientific stance on nuclear energy. However, this rally has made it clear that he’s not alone: “The highlight for me is how broad of a consensus it showed, including political leaders from both big parties. The best part was how it wasn't just plant workers, but a huge cross section of the regional society - children, families, grandparents, and so on.”
He jokes, “If I was religious or something I would highlight how the thick fog broke just when the speeches started!”
For those paying attention, the pushback against nuclear closures shouldn’t come as a surprise, but the rally still represents an extraordinary level of mobilisation by supporters, unlike anything seen before. While there have been some funded events by a few advocates, what stands out here is that this is a large, grassroots movement, built organically and involving people from all walks of life. In my experience as a seasoned activist, grassroots movements like this often represent a tipping point, and they often prevail.
The message is clear: we cannot allow myopic leaders to destroy European energy sovereignty and the livelihoods of thousands of people in this way. Although the story has been well covered in Spain - and fairly from what I’ve seen - anti-nuclear bias in the mainstream press means news of the rally has barely been reported outside of the country. So it’s up to you to spread the story. Make a noise for Spain, and sign their petition against the closure.
It remains to be seen whether the Spanish government will choose to follow in Germany’s footsteps or heed the will of its people. All we can do is stand in solidarity, holding onto that old activist saying - power to the people - except this time, we mean it literally as well.
"including political leaders from both big parties"
Yes, nuclear is bi-partisan.
Maybe the EU will start to wake up.
Thanks for sharing the great news that Spaniards with critical thinking skills are rejecting the leftist agitprop opposing nuclear power.