Almaraz nuclear plant operation extended in Spain until 2030

Almaraz nuclear plant energy policy nuclear extension Spain electricity energy security

The Spanish government has authorized an extension for the Almaraz nuclear power plant, allowing its two reactors to continue operating until June 8, 2030. This decision delays the previously scheduled closures of Unit I in November 2027 and Unit II in October 2028.

The Ministry for the Ecological Transition cited international energy market volatility, including tensions in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine, as key drivers for the decision. Maintaining Almaraz provides firm electricity generation to stabilize the grid while renewable energy and storage capacities expand. The extension follows a favorable technical assessment by the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN).

While the Almaraz extension is a significant shift, the government maintains that the broader national target to phase out the entire nuclear fleet by 2035 remains unchanged. However, the decision has drawn criticism from the Partido Popular, which argues that the government should review the closure schedules for other plants, such as Trillo, to ensure long-term energy security.

In 2030, Spain still faces the scheduled simultaneous closure of several other plants, including Ascó I and Cofrentes, which together with Almaraz represent a significant portion of the nation's electricity demand.

Entities

Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant · Ecologistas en Acción · Ministry for the Ecological Transition · Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge · Nuclear Safety Council · Partido Popular · Redeia · Spanish Government

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Extending Almaraz is expected to reduce gas-based electricity generation by 7% in 2030. www.20minutos.es
[● 5 SOURCES] The extension was supported by a favorable report from the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN). www.negocios.com · www.20minutos.es · www.covertalavera.com · radiocampomaior.com · www.pv-magazine.com
[● 8 SOURCES] The Almaraz nuclear plant's operation has been extended until June 8, 2030. www.negocios.com · okdiario.com · www.20minutos.es · www.covertalavera.com · radiocampomaior.com · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ascó I and Cofrentes nuclear plants are still scheduled to close in October and November 2030, respectively. okdiario.com
[● 8 SOURCES] Prior to the extension, Almaraz I was scheduled to close in November 2027 and Almaraz II in October 2028. www.20minutos.es · www.covertalavera.com · radiocampomaior.com · www.negocios.com · okdiario.com · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] The four plants scheduled to close in 2030 (Almaraz I and II, Ascó I, and Cofrentes) account for approximately 12% of Spain's electricity demand. okdiario.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The scheduled shutdown of Spain's entire nuclear fleet remains set for 2035. okdiario.com · radiocampomaior.com · www.pv-magazine.com