Spain's Only Nuclear Manufacturer Is Missing Out on the Global Boom — Due to a Brain Drain

A Global Boom — and Spain Is Being Left Behind

The global nuclear energy industry is in a significant growth period, with countries across Europe, America and Asia investing heavily in atomic power. But Spain's only state-owned nuclear equipment manufacturer is struggling to capitalise — and the reason is a talent exodus that workers say could permanently damage Spain's position in the sector.

Ensa, based in Cantabria and founded during Spain's nuclear expansion era in the 1970s, currently needs between 60 and 80 additional workers to meet demand. It cannot fill those positions because private sector wages are approximately 30% higher than what Ensa, as a state entity, is able to offer.

Engineers Poached by International Competitors

International firms are actively targeting Spanish nuclear engineers. Companies including Westinghouse and Areva are drawing experienced staff, engineers, and project managers away from Ensa with competitive salaries that the state manufacturer simply cannot match under its current public sector pay structure.

The situation is compounded by strict public sector hiring rules — overseen by SEPI, Spain's State Holding company and Ensa's parent body — which block the kind of rapid, flexible recruitment needed to respond to surging international demand.

Working with Bill Gates — But Short-Staffed

Despite its recruitment struggles, Ensa remains a globally recognised manufacturer. The company is currently involved in the TerraPower project, the American nuclear firm backed by Bill Gates, and is producing radioactive waste storage systems for Spain's existing nuclear plants. The concern is that without resolving the staffing crisis, Ensa may be forced to reject contracts it is otherwise qualified to fulfil.

"We're Going to Stop Being Good at This"

Workers at Ensa are blunt about where things are heading. As one put it: "We used to be good in the nuclear sector, but at this rate, we're going to stop being so."

SEPI has pushed back publicly, insisting that staffing levels are improving and denying that any contracts have been rejected. Workers dispute that account.

This article is based on reporting from The Olive Press, published May 9, 2026.