The Cofrentes nuclear power plant begins its 25th fuel reload with an investment of €27M and the mobilisation of more than 1,200 professionals
The Cofrentes nuclear power plant, owned by Iberdrola Generación Nuclear, an Iberdrola España company, began its 25th fuel reload, a key milestone that reinforces the facility's commitment to operational safety and the technological upgrading of its systems.
During this shutdown, more than 1,200 additional professionals from over 100 specialised companies will join the facility's regular staff, providing a massive uptick in jobs and a boost to the local economy.
This refuelling will involve an investment of €27M and, during the 37 days it is expected to last, activities will include renewing fuel elements, running tests required by technical operating specifications and inspecting facilities, equipment and components necessary to ensure the plant’s correct operation in its next operating cycle.
Modernización tecnológica y mantenimiento preventivo
The main activity will be replacing approximately one third of the core fuel elements. At the same time, more than 10,000 work orders will be carried out, mainly focused on preventive maintenance, as well as 26 design modifications aimed at improving the facility. These actions reaffirm Cofrentes' commitment to technological innovation and its systems’ reliability.
Some of the most significant projects include modernising electrical protections for power transformers and diesel generators, inspecting the turbine and the main electric generator, replacing control bars, a general overhaul of one of the diesel generators, replacing 125 Vdc switches and upgrading safety system pumps.
Safety and comprehensive planning
Energy and socio-economic contribution
Cofrentes continues to be essential to the national electricity system. In 2024, the plant produced 7,916 GWh of emissions-free energy, equivalent to the consumption of more than two million households, preventing the release of three million tonnes of CO₂. This production represents 52% of the electricity generation in the Valencian Community and 3% of the national total.
In addition to its energy role, the plant is one of the main socio-economic drivers in the area, creating more than 700 direct jobs, 1,000 indirect jobs and another 1,200 during fuel reloading.
Ranked with some of the highest levels of excellence in the nuclear industry according to the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), the plant is in optimal technical condition to continue operating beyond November 2030, the date its current operating licence expires.
Cofrentes reaffirms its role as a strategic infrastructure for the energy transition, grid stability and industrial development in the Valencian Community, with a streamlining of its tax burdens necessary to ensure its future economic viability.
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