Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 14 Feb. (Europa Press) –
The Ecological Transition Commission of the Canary Islands Parliament has dismissed a proposed law this Friday, which was only supported by Vox, that called for the creation of a study regarding the feasibility of developing nuclear energy in the archipelago.
Vox spokesperson Nicasio Galván stated that the proposition merely requested a feasibility study for the implementation of nuclear energy in the Canary Islands, emphasising that the region is at “risk” of energy shortages.
He expressed confusion over the “demonisation” of this energy source, particularly by “green” groups, noting that renewable energies are often “inefficient and intermittent” and require extensive land use, whereas a small modular reactor occupies an area comparable to a football pitch.
He pointed out that the EU “had no alternative” but to categorise nuclear energy and gas as “green energies” to prevent “energy suicide,” asserting that the future will be increasingly electrified. “This cannot be achieved solely through wind or solar power,” he remarked.
Galván further asserted that nuclear energy is characterised by “zero emissions,” does not contribute to air pollution, and is economically advantageous. In light of the “fiasco” of Chernobyl, he defended the establishment of a network of small modular reactors, suggesting that the Canary Islands is “the ideal setting,” in accordance with the recommendations of Nuclear Physics expert Manuel Fernández Ordóñez.
Jesús Ramos (ASG) remarked that in the Canary Islands, there is a distinct commitment to clean energy and cautioned against the “security issues” associated with nuclear power stations, highlighting that “a minor failure” could have detrimental impacts on island communities.
Carmen Hernández (NC-BC) stated that her party champions environmental protection and renewable energies, rejecting Vox’s claims on behalf of nuclear energy and insisting it “pollutes” with highly dangerous “waste.”
She also mentioned the absence of “social and political consensus” and raised concerns about the dangers of establishing nuclear power plants in a region prone to seismic and volcanic activity like the Canary Islands. “This is a gamble that endangers the planet and serves the interests of large business lobbies,” she elaborated.
Raquel Díaz from the Popular Group dismissed the possibility of setting up nuclear power plants in the Canary Islands due to the associated “risks” and advocated for a combined approach integrating both renewable and fossil fuels to achieve an “efficient” energy transition.
ORAMAS (CC) Remembers the fear of such plants
Ana Oramas from the nationalist group expressed that “Vox initiatives are always unexpected,” affirming that the Canary Islands represent a “paradise” for future energy due to its natural resources, and recalled the anxiety experienced by island residents during the construction of the nuclear plant in Morocco.
“You represent the Canarian people; let proposals come from your own experiences in Madrid and understand this land,” Galván stated.
Alicia Vainostende (PSOE) admonished Vox for wanting to “install nuclear plants in the Canary Islands” and refused to endorse the development of any study that seeks to “whitewash” this type of energy, similar to other contentious topics such as racism, immigration, Trump or Franco.
She pointed out that Professor Fernández Ordóñez, who spoke in Parliament a few months ago, “only addressed the positives, conveniently neglecting to discuss the negatives.”
