IBERDROLA has implemented a System of Environmental Management for the entire scope of the organization, which has been certified according to ISO 14.001. One of the requirements of this legislation is to “define an Environmental Policy [PDF] at the highest level of Directorate”. The Environmental Policy of IBERDROLA defines some Basic Principles of Action, including: reduce environmental risk, identify, evaluate and reduce negative environmental effects, etc. These principles reflect the commitment to manage all waste following the criteria of minimization of waste from origin, that is, generation, and relates to proccesses and systems where the waste is generated, reutilization, recycling and, when this isn´t possible, controlled disposal through alternative means that will yield the least environmental impact. The principle of controlled disposal refers to operational radioactive waste and spent fuel as well. Management of radioactive wastes is performed in compliance with all relevant legislation and following the continual improvement principle, which means:

• Assuring full compliance with applicable required regulations and license conditions.
• Adopting voluntary international standards which can help business management enhancements and public recognition.
• Emulating appropriate good and best practices with the aim of looking for specific solutions and improvements.
• Striving for Excellence in the operations of IBERDROLA nuclear power plants helping others to do the same.

The record, document checks and technical safeguards that apply to the activities and processes related to radioactive waste and spent fuel, which are state of the art technologies on the international level, contribute to help ensure their proper management.

IBERDROLA GENERACIÓN S.A., through the Nuclear Generation Division, owns nuclear plants in Spain and is liable for their operating units. All of them have implemented environmental management systems that have also been certified in compliance with ISO 14.001. The environmental policy includes all principles and commitments relating to the management and treatment of waste, including radioactive waste.

IBERDROLA is also performing R&D in the field of radioactive waste, specifically in the areas of:

• The reduction in waste generation
• Volume optimization
• Improved packaging for treatment
• Developing methods of declassification

For these purposes, IBERDROLA is working with entities such as ENRESA (National Company for Radioactive Waste), EPRI (Electric Power Research institute), universities, etc.