Jobs and Economy at Risk After Closure Plan
The Ribera d'Ebre region, home to the Ascó nuclear power plant, faces a profound socioeconomic shift as Spain moves toward closing its nuclear reactors between 2027 and 2035. The plant has supplied more than half of Catalonia’s electricity for decades, supporting around 3,000 direct jobs and underpinning the local economy in Ascó and surrounding areas. According to the Generalitat, the closure will result in the loss of an average of 3,000 direct jobs and significantly impact the economic fabric of municipalities across the Priorat, Baix Camp, Terra Alta, Ribera d’Ebre and Baix Ebre. A report by Deloitte cited by economist Xavier Grau del Cerro indicates that extending the life of Catalonia’s nuclear plants would save the regional industry €280 million annually by avoiding reliance on carbon-emitting gas plants.
Local Leaders Demand Just Transition
Ascó mayor Miquel Àngel Ribes has voiced strong opposition to the closure timeline, calling it a political rather than technical decision. "It is a luxury to give up a safe, carbon-free energy source that generates over half of Catalonia’s electricity," he said. The Nuclear Safety Council (Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear) has approved continued operation until 2030 and 2031, beyond the original 40-year design life of the reactors. Ribes stressed the need for long-term planning: "We are not ready for such a radical change." He welcomed the Generalitat’s commitment to reinvest 50% of tax revenues from nuclear generation into affected areas, calling it the first real recognition of territorial needs.
"If we want to meet climate goals, nuclear energy must be part of the solution.", Miquel Àngel Ribes, Mayor of Ascó
€24 Million Annual Fund for Economic Shift
To address the transition, the Catalan government has established a Nuclear Transition Fund with annual funding of €24 million. This initiative, led by Enterprise and Labour Minister Roger Torrent, aims to support economic diversification and a just energy transition in impacted regions. An additional €52 million in grants have been allocated to 183 businesses in the Ascó and Vandellòs zones through ACCIÓ, the agency for enterprise growth, to stimulate local development ahead of decommissioning.
Gigafactory Hopes Amid Uncertainty
One major project offering hope is the proposed artificial intelligence gigafactory in nearby Móra la Nova. The Catalan and Spanish governments have approved the creation of a public-private consortium to develop the site, with an initial €719 million in state funding approved in June 2026. Total investment is projected to exceed €4 billion. The facility, planned for the Incasòl-owned Molló industrial zone, could begin construction in the second quarter of 2027 and become operational by late 2028. Officials see it as a potential engine for high-tech employment in southern Europe.
"Now is the time to unite. We already have companies interested, especially in energy and technology sectors.", Miquel Àngel Ribes
Workers Seek Guarantees
Joaquim Bielsa, regional secretary of CCOO and national representative for the nuclear sector, warned of deepening uncertainty among workers. "People still have mortgages, children in education, this instability causes real anxiety," he admitted. While no formal retraining plans are yet in place, Bielsa insists current staff should lead decommissioning work: "They are the most qualified and know the facilities best." CCOO has ruled out strikes if necessary and demands binding commitments from institutions. Despite resistance from industry groups, Endesa, and regional business leaders who argue renewables are not yet ready to replace nuclear output, the closure schedule remains in place. As one era ends, Ascó and its neighbours are racing to shape the next.
Primary sources: govern.cat, Generalitat de Catalunya, accio.gencat.cat, govern.cat, accio.gencat.cat. Reported by Carlos Ortí, Xavier Grau del Cerro, Aleix Ramírez, Gabriel Ubieto, europapress.es, Núria Font Casas, Ismael Lobo García, Germán Aranda, ON ECONOMIA, reusdigital.cat.
