The latest opinion poll conducted by Instituto Elcano shows a clear split between nuclear advocates (41%) and nuclear opponents (55%). This division can be accounted for by social factors: educated people (47% of those in favour) and right wing voters (55%) tend to support nuclear power, whereas undergraduates are more likely to oppose nuclear energy. Those opposed reject the use of this kind of energy without embargo. Those in favour consider nuclear energy as a way to decrease Spain’s energy dependency on oil and gas imports and reduce the oil bill.  The number of people in favour has recently risen dramatically in Spain.

The controversy on the nuclear issue is growing within and beyond the Spanish borders. The President of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), through the IEA (International Energy Agency), has advised the G8 countries to expand nuclear power in order to fight against the negative global economic consequences of oil price rise.

Source: Expansión, 07.07.2006