Vandellos GR 2 Nuclear Power Plant, Spain | Capacity & Operations

Vandellos GR 2 is a nuclear power plant located in the municipality of Vandellos i l'Hospitalet de l'Infant, Tarragona, Spain. With a capacity of 1045.31 MW, it is a large-scale facility contributing significantly to Spain's nuclear power generation capacity. The plant is operated by Endesa Generacion S.A. and has been in operational status. The plant utilizes pressurized water reactor (PWR) technology, typical for nuclear power generation. It operates under the regulatory framework of Spain's Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) and complies with European Union directives on nuclear safety and waste management. The facility's capacity places it among the larger nuclear plants in Spain, supporting the country's energy mix with low-carbon baseload power. Vandellos GR 2 plays a key role in the regional grid, providing stable electricity to the surrounding area. Its operation contributes to Spain's goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as nuclear power is a low-carbon energy source. The plant's location near the Mediterranean coast also involves considerations for cooling water discharge and environmental monitoring.

The plant's nuclear fuel type means it produces no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions during operation, but it generates radioactive waste requiring long-term management. Its location near the coast involves thermal discharge into the Mediterranean Sea, which is regulated under EU water quality standards. The facility's age and technology are typical for Spanish nuclear plants, with ongoing upgrades to meet safety requirements.