Juzbado nuclear facility: authorization renewed for 10 years from July 2026

Key data

Spain's only nuclear fuel factory maintains its activity assured until 2036. ENUSA Industrias Avanzadas, SA, S.M.E. has obtained through Order TED/775/2026 the renewal of the operating authorization for its installation in Juzbado (Salamanca) for a period of ten years, effective from July 5, 2026.

The renewal comes after a favorable evaluation by the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN), which reviewed the Periodic Safety Review for the period 2015-2024. The installation is authorized to manufacture fuel elements for light water reactors, with a production ceiling of 500 tonnes of uranium per year and a maximum enrichment of 5% in U-235.

What does this regulation establish?

Order TED/775/2026 formally grants the renewal of the operating authorization for the nuclear fuel factory located in the municipality of Juzbado, in the province of Salamanca. The key elements it regulates are as follows:

The CSN issued a favorable report after evaluating the Periodic Safety Review for the period 2015-2024, which certifies that the installation complies with the required standards to continue operating. The authorization is not unconditional: the holder must maintain insurance coverage at all times and comply with the nuclear safety and radiological protection conditions established.

Economic and operational impact

For ENUSA Industrias Avanzadas, the renewal guarantees business continuity for Spain's only nuclear fuel manufacturing facility for the next decade. This has direct implications in several areas:

• Operational continuity: The factory can continue producing up to 500 tonnes annually of uranium in fuel elements, ensuring supply to Spanish nuclear plants operating with light water reactors.
• Insurance obligation: The holder must maintain civil liability insurance coverage for nuclear damage in force throughout the authorization period. Failure to comply with this obligation could compromise the validity of the authorization.
• Long-term planning: With a 10-year authorization, ENUSA can plan investments, supply contracts and facility maintenance with a horizon until 2036.
• Next renewal: The application for the next renewal must be submitted at least two years in advance of the expiration of the current authorization, accompanied by a new Periodic Safety Review and updated technical documentation. This sets the deadline for initiating that process around 2034.

Who does it affect?

• ENUSA Industrias Avanzadas, SA, S.M.E.: Direct holder of the authorization and primary affected party. Must comply with all safety conditions and maintain mandatory insurance.
• Spanish nuclear plants with light water reactors: Customers of fuel produced in Juzbado. The renewal guarantees continuity of national supply.
• Nuclear Safety Council (CSN): Supervisory body that must continue to evaluate compliance with authorization conditions during the 10-year validity period.
• Spanish nuclear sector: The Juzbado factory is the only installation of its kind in Spain; its continuity is strategic for the national nuclear fuel cycle.
• Insurance companies specializing in nuclear risk: Must maintain or renew civil liability coverage for nuclear damage required of the holder.

Practical example

Suppose a Spanish nuclear plant with light water reactors has fuel supply contracts with ENUSA for the coming years. Thanks to the renewal of the authorization for 10 years, that plant can plan its refueling needs with the certainty that the Juzbado factory will be operational until at least July 5, 2036, with capacity to supply up to 500 tonnes annually of uranium enriched to a maximum of 5% in U-235, the standard required for light water reactors.

If the plant needed to renegotiate or expand contracts beyond 2036, it should keep in mind that ENUSA will need to initiate the new renewal process before 2034, providing a new Periodic Safety Review and updated technical documentation to the CSN.

What should companies do now?

1. ENUSA: verify immediate compliance with safety conditions established in Order TED/775/2026, especially those relating to nuclear safety and radiological protection, since the authorization is conditional on their continuous maintenance.
2. ENUSA: review and update insurance coverage for civil liability for nuclear damage to ensure it is in force and sufficient throughout the authorization period (until July 2036).
3. Client nuclear plants: update supply planning taking into account that the Juzbado authorization is guaranteed until July 5, 2036, with a maximum capacity of 500 t/year of uranium enriched to 5% in U-235.
4. ENUSA: schedule the new renewal process to not exceed the deadline. The application must be submitted at least two years in advance of expiration, which means initiating procedures before July 2034, including preparation of a new Periodic Safety Review.
5. Insurance companies and nuclear sector suppliers: review existing contracts with ENUSA in light of the new authorization period, adjusting coverage, deadlines and contractual conditions to the 2036 horizon.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source (BOE-A-2026-16341)

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-16341