Spain has improved its nuclear regulatory framework

The Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission to Spain assessed the country’s regulatory framework for nuclear, radiation, radioactive waste and transport safety. The mission team, comprising experts from France, Germany, Switzerland, the USA, and IAEA personnel, concluded that Spain had effectively addressed the 12 recommendations and 20 suggestions that had been proposed during the initial mission. Notable achievements included the formulation of a human resources strategy, the enhancement of the safety culture of the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN), and the implementation of a national radon action plan. The team’s research further elucidates Spain’s utilisation of a digital platform for real-time dose data, along with a centralised dosimetry system for emergency responders. CSN President Juan Carlos Lentijo emphasised that the mission had reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to nuclear safety. Spain operates seven nuclear reactors and has a radioactive waste management facility. A follow-up ARTEMIS (Integrated Review Service for Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Management, Decommissioning and Remediation) mission is planned for later this year, and the final IRRS report will be submitted to the Spanish government in three months’ time.