Nuclear plant closure brought forward
With the Cofrentes nuclear power plant set to cease operations by 2030, most residents now question their future
WORK to dismantle the nuclear power plant of Cofrentes has been brought forward, thus representing the beginning of the end for many families who live in the Ayora valley.
Since 1984, the plant had provided direct jobs for 707 people, and indirect jobs for hundreds more, as most of the town’s financial viability depends on the facility.
However, the move to cleaner energy is a must, and so the townsfolk have started considering their options.
Electricity company Iberdrola, which runs the plant, has said that the workers will be redeployed. However, there is concern over the long-term options for the town as a whole, including its two hotels, three bars, school and other businesses.
Once the plant is closed, there will likely be a shift to focus on tourism, as Cofrentes is known as a good destination for mountain walkers and to enjoy outdoor adventure activities, as well as for its spa.
Workers from these sectors are among the select few whose livelihoods do not depend on the plant. In fact, one town worker said that ‘few people come right now because they are scared of the fact that there is a nuclear power plant’, adding that ‘to come and spend the day here we don’t care if there is a nuclear power plant or not’.