ABSTRACT
With the partial exception of South Korea, Spain differs from the other case studies examined in this book in two respects. First, like Korea, Spain transitioned to democracy relatively late in the post–World War II period – until 1975, the country was a fascist state under Francisco Franco – and with this transition came a vigorous civil society. 1 Second, unlike Korea, the nascent democracy inherited a functioning radioactive waste disposal facility – El Cabril in Córdoba – as well as neighboring communities willing to exercise their newly acquired democratic right to object to the facility. As a result, the challenges faced by waste management authorities have been unique, and this is reflected in the structure of the chapter. The first three sections outline the role of nuclear power in society, the production and management of radioactive waste as well as public attitudes to nuclear activities, including the integral role played by the Spanish antinuclear movement. The remainder of the chapter traces the history of radioactive waste disposal at El Cabril from the use of an abandoned uranium mine in 1961 to its most recent expansion, describes the motivations and tactics of those opposed to the facility and concludes with the siting authority’s efforts to appease opponents and build public support for continued operations at El Cabril.
