Spain to Develop Solar Plant at Major Nuclear Waste Storage Site Amid Capacity Expansion Plans
The largest nuclear waste storage site in Spain is situated in the remote mountains of Cordoba, where low, very low, and medium radioactive waste is stored. Predominantly arising from nuclear power stations, these wastes constitute approximately 90 per cent of the countrys radioactive waste, with the remainder from hospitals, research centres, and industries. The site, managed by the public company Enresa, is preparing for a significant expansion to accommodate the increasing waste volume as nuclear power plants are phased out.
Enresa is planning to construct a solar power plant on its site to supply energy for its operations. A public tender has been launched with a budget of around 2.75 million euros to build a photovoltaic system that will produce up to one megawatt of power. This capacity could meet approximately half of the sites current electricity needs of around 3000 megawatt hours annually, and it is expected to rise as the facility expands.
The expansion includes building a new platform with 27 cells to double the storage capacity and manage wastes from future decommissioning activities. The chosen location is ideal for solar technology due to its high annual sunshine hours and favourable climate conditions, making it a strategic choice for generating renewable energy effectively.
Implementing a solar microgrid aligns with Enresa s objectives to improve energy efficiency, reduce reliance on external power supply, and cut costs, which currently amount to around 600,000 euros annually. Moreover, it supports broader environmental goals by lowering CO2 emissions and advancing sustainability within Spains nuclear decommissioning framework.
Enresa is set to proceed with a major extension programme involving an investment of approximately 182 million euros to nearly double the existing storage capacity. This will include constructing 12 new cells by 2028, with a further 15 to follow. These measures respond to the anticipated increase in waste resulting from the orderly shutdown of Spains nuclear reactors, scheduled between 2027 and 2035. The plan also foresees the long-term storage of high-activity waste in a deep geological repository, expected to be operational around 2073, although many of its details are still under development.
Overall, the integration of solar power at the nuclear waste site exemplifies steps towards a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure during Spains nuclear decommissioning transition.