Spain extends Almaraz nuclear plant to 2030

Spain has authorised the Almaraz nuclear plant to operate until June 8, 2030, extending the life of the country’s largest nuclear site in a reversal of its previous plan to close it in 2028.

A ministerial order published in the official state gazette said the limited extension would make a temporary contribution to reducing the exposure of Spain’s electricity system and consumers to unforeseen price spikes.

Almaraz, in the western region of Extremadura, is owned by Iberdrola, Endesa and Naturgy. The three companies asked the government last year to keep the plant in service for another two years.

The plant had been due to close as part of Spain’s plan to shut all nuclear reactors by 2035 and rely more heavily on renewable energy. The government said the Almaraz extension had “a very limited impact” on existing energy policy and did not change the rest of the nuclear phase-out timetable.

Sumar, the far-left junior partner in the Socialist-led coalition government, criticised the decision, saying it was based on “corporate pressure” rather than technical, environmental or economic needs. It said keeping the plant running delayed decarbonisation based on renewables and imposed costs and risks on society.

The state gazette said renewable energy and storage would remain the structural answers to Spain’s exposure to fossil-fuel dependence.

Almaraz contributes about seven percent of Spain’s electricity production. Extremadura regional leader Maria Guardiola welcomed the decision, saying it gave certainty and protected an activity that many towns and families depend on.