CSN Agreement 2026: what nuclear facilities and radioactive operators must do

Key data

Nuclear facilities and operators of radioactive installations in Spain have a new operational obligation since March 30, 2026: adapting their emergency plans to the criteria established in the agreement signed between the Secretaría General Técnica and the Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear (CSN). Resolution 420/38184/2026 formalizes this agreement and defines the frameworks for joint action, the responsibilities of each party and the coordination protocols for nuclear and radiological emergencies.

This is not a minor procedural change. The agreement redefines how sector operators must prepare and respond to emergency situations, aligning national standards with the international criteria of the Organismo Internacional de Energía Atómica (OIEA). Any facility that does not update its protocols will be misaligned with the official coordination framework.

What does this regulation establish?

The agreement regulates three distinct areas of action that operators must be aware of:

The agreement also reinforces compliance with the international nuclear safety standards promoted by the OIEA, which means that operators' emergency plans must be aligned not only with national regulations, but also with international reference criteria.

In terms of scope, the agreement has direct implications for three types of entities: nuclear facilities in the energy sector, research centers with radioactive materials and civil protection services. Public administrations with competencies in the matter are also within the scope of application.

Economic and operational impact

The agreement does not establish direct fees or economic amounts. Its impact is primarily operational and regulatory compliance-related. However, indirect costs for affected organizations can be significant:

• Review and update of emergency plans: Nuclear facilities and radioactive operators will need to review their existing plans to verify their alignment with the new criteria of the agreement. This involves technical and legal working hours, possible documentary updates and, in some cases, changes to internal procedures.
• Training and drills: Adapting to new coordination protocols may require training for staff involved in emergency response and conducting drills under the new action frameworks.
• Coordination with the CSN: Operators must ensure that their communication and coordination channels with the CSN are updated and operational in accordance with the new protocols.
• Alignment with OIEA standards: If current plans do not already comply with OIEA international standards, a more in-depth adaptation process will be required.

Who is affected?

The agreement directly affects the following entities:

• Nuclear facilities: Nuclear power plants and any facility in the nuclear energy sector in Spain.
• Operators of radioactive installations: Companies and entities that operate facilities where radioactive materials are used or stored.
• Research centers with radioactive materials: Laboratories, universities and R&D centers working with radioactive sources or materials.
• Civil protection services: Bodies and services responsible for emergency management at national, regional and local level.
• Public administrations: Any administration with competencies in nuclear or radiological emergencies.

Practical example

A nuclear power plant currently operating in Spain has an internal emergency plan approved by the CSN. With the entry into force of this agreement on March 30, 2026, the operator must review that plan to verify that the coordination protocols with the CSN and civil protection services conform to the joint action frameworks defined in the agreement.

If the current plan was drawn up under criteria prior to this agreement, the operator must identify the gaps, update the notification and coordination procedures, and ensure that the staff responsible for emergency response are aware of the new channels and responsibilities. This process involves, at a minimum, an internal audit of the current plan, the legal review of the document and possibly formal communication with the CSN to confirm alignment.

The same process applies to a hospital with nuclear medicine facilities or a research center using radioactive sources: they must review their emergency protocols and ensure they are coordinated with the frameworks defined in this agreement.

What should companies do now?

1. Review the current emergency plan: Audit the existing internal emergency plan or radiological response protocol to identify whether it is aligned with the joint action frameworks defined in the CSN-Secretaría General Técnica agreement.
2. Verify coordination protocols with the CSN: Check that the communication channels and notification procedures to the CSN in the event of an emergency are updated in accordance with the new criteria of the agreement.
3. Review compliance with OIEA standards: Cross-check emergency plans against the international standards of the Organismo Internacional de Energía Atómica, as the agreement explicitly reinforces their compliance.
4. Update internal documentation: Modify procedures, operational instructions and emergency documentation that do not conform to the new action frameworks and responsibilities defined.
5. Train involved staff: Ensure that staff responsible for emergency response are aware of the new coordination protocols and their responsibilities under the new framework.
6. Coordinate with civil protection: If the facility has external emergency plans coordinated with civil protection services, verify that these also conform to the criteria of the agreement.

Official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, please consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-7778