Ascó Nuclear Power Plant
The largest power plant in Spain
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 1983, Ascó Nuclear Power Plant is a nuclear power plant located in Spain with an installed capacity of 2.0 GW. It is operated by Endesa. By installed capacity, it ranks among the top 5 power plants in Spain.
Why It Matters
Ascó Nuclear Power Plant is a major source of low-carbon baseload electricity for Spain, producing enough power for roughly 1.6 million US-equivalent households per year. Nuclear plants like this one operate at very high capacity factors (~90%), meaning they generate near their full nameplate capacity around the clock—a profile that complements variable renewables like wind and solar.
Environmental Impact
Compared to a coal-fired plant of the same output, Ascó Nuclear Power Plant prevents approximately 15.6 million tonnes of CO2 per year. Nuclear plants do produce radioactive waste, but the volume is small (a single household's lifetime nuclear waste fits in a soda can) and storage technology has improved significantly over the past 40 years.
Fun Facts
- The largest power plant in Spain by installed capacity.
- Produces enough electricity to power roughly 1.6 million US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 43 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does Ascó Nuclear Power Plant produce?▾
Ascó Nuclear Power Plant has an installed nameplate capacity of 2.0 GW. At typical capacity factors for nuclear plants (~92%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 1.6 million US-equivalent households per year.
Where is Ascó Nuclear Power Plant located?▾
Ascó Nuclear Power Plant is located in Spain at approximately 41.2000°, 0.5697°.
When was Ascó Nuclear Power Plant built?▾
Ascó Nuclear Power Plant was commissioned in 1983.
Who owns Ascó Nuclear Power Plant?▾
Ascó Nuclear Power Plant is owned and operated by Endesa.
About Nuclear Power
Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate heat, which produces steam to drive turbines. They provide reliable baseload power with virtually no direct carbon emissions, though they produce radioactive waste.
Other Nuclear Power Plants in Spain
| Name | Capacity | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant | 2.0 GW | Iberdrola |
Related Reading
Data Information
Data Sources
Power plant data is based on the Global Power Plant Database by World Resources Institute, in collaboration with Google, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Enipedia, and the Global Energy Observatory.
Disclaimer
Information found on this page is for informational purposes only. Power plant specifications, ownership, and operational status may have changed since the data was last updated. Please verify critical information with official sources.