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Spain calls for tighter nuclear safety after halts

Wed Sep 3, 2008 9:45am EDT

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MADRID, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Spanish Industry Minister Miguel Sebastian called on Wednesday for increased vigilance from the country's nuclear plants after recent unscheduled stoppages due to safety issues.

Sebastian met the chairwoman of the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN), Carmen Martinez.

"They both agreed on the need to ensure the security and proper functioning of these plants," a statement from the ministry said.

The 1,000 megawatt Vandellos II plant was halted on Aug. 24, after one of its generators caught fire, and it is expected to be off line for weeks.

Vandellos II is 72-percent owned by Spain's second-largest power firm, Endesa (ELE.MC), and top utility Iberdrola (IBE.MC) has the remaining 28 percent.

Endesa is sole owner of the Asco I nuclear plant, which could face a hefty after the CSN called for government sanctions over management's handling of a radioactive leak in November.

The Socialist government has pledged to phase out Spain's eight nuclear power stations in favour of renewable energy sources.

Permits for running seven of the plants expire between 2009 and 2011, or within the recently re-elected Socialists' mandate. (Reporting by Judy MacInnes; editing by Anthony Barker)



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