Every time there is an energy crisis, the debate resurfaces about whether it is necessary to extend the lifespan of existing nuclear power plants. In fact, in Spain—and in Catalonia—it is a recurring debate that is currently at a crucial juncture, because The Spanish government has a pending decision on the table that could determine the future of this technology: whether or not to extend the lifespan of the Almaraz nuclear power plant.If the decision is to extend the life of that nuclear unit, it opens the door to doing so with the rest. If the decision is made to close it, the timeline will begin that must lead to Spain having no more operating nuclear power plants by 2035.

On Tuesday night, TV3 viewers became aware of a catastrophe that never happened, but that narrowly escaped us. If you missed it, you can catch it on the 3Cat platform. The heroes of Vandellós I These are three chapters that, for their television broadcast, were condensed into a single documentary. A strategy that distorts the creative approach of the production. The story has an indisputable power. The protagonists who prevented a nuclear tragedy describe, in first person, the anguish and torment of seeing themselves on the brink of an explosion that at times seemed inevitable. But, in addition, the director, Álvaro Sanz, has an emotional involvement in the events. He is the son of one of these workers at the Vandellòs nuclear power plant and, therefore, has a very direct connection with many of the witnesses who appear in the documentary and the memories of the community. This aspect makes the viewer feel closer to the reality of the case.

The debate on the closure of nuclear power plants has reopened when, apparently, it seemed to be already over. The National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), approved in 2021 by order of the European Union, provides for the closure of all nuclear power plants. State nuclear power plants. As for Catalonia, the first to close the door is Ascó I (2030), the second Ascó II (2032) and the last Vandellòs II (2035). This plan has the majority support of the parties, including Junts and ERC, which in their electoral programmes are in favour of abandoning nuclear energy. However, a few days ago the PP presented in Congress a proposal to extend the life of nuclear power plants, which was finally approved thanks to the abstentions of Junts and ERC. This change of position is motivated by the pressure being exerted by the territory where the nuclear power plants are located, which is openly committed to maintaining this type of energy.