Almaraz nuclear plant operation extended by Spanish government until 2030

Almaraz nuclear plant energy security Spain energy policy nuclear power extension renewable energy transition

The Spanish government has authorized the extension of the Almaraz nuclear power plant's operation until June 2030. This decision reverses previous plans to begin decommissioning the facility in 2027. The extension follows a request from the plant's owners, Iberdrola, Endesa, and Naturgy, and received endorsement from the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) in mid-July.

Officials cited energy security and geopolitical uncertainty, particularly regarding energy markets in the Persian Gulf, as primary justifications for the move. The decision also addresses technical challenges in maintaining grid stability as the share of variable renewable energy increases. In 2025, Almaraz produced approximately 15,369.2 GWh of electricity, accounting for about 5.6% of Spain's total generation.

While the extension provides a temporary lifeline, the government maintains its long-term commitment to phasing out nuclear power across the country by 2035. The move has drawn criticism from environmental groups like Ecologistas en Acción, who argue the decision violates previous energy planning commitments and the PSOE's electoral program.

Entities

Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant · Endesa · Iberdrola · Ministry for the Ecological Transition · Naturgy · Pedro Sánchez · Red Eléctrica de España · Spanish Government

Claims

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

[○ 1 SOURCE] Ecologistas en Acción claims the extension violates previous energy planning commitments and the PSOE electoral program. kaosenlared.net
[● 3 SOURCES] Iberdrola, Endesa, and Naturgy, who share ownership of the Almaraz plant, requested the extension of the plant's useful life. www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.levante-emv.com · petterssonsblogg.se
[● 2 SOURCES] The Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) endorsed the extension in mid-July. www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.levante-emv.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The ministerial order confirming the authorization was published in the BOE in mid-August. www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.levante-emv.com
[● 6 SOURCES] The Spanish Government has authorized the extension of the Almaraz nuclear power plant's operation until June 2030. www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.levante-emv.com · agendarweb.com.ar · petterssonsblogg.se · worldstockmarket.net · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Almaraz produced 15,369.2 GWh of electricity in 2025. sapo.pt
[● 2 SOURCES] The official administration policy remains committed to phasing out nuclear generation starting in 2030. worldstockmarket.net · www.laregion.es
[○ 1 SOURCE] Red Eléctrica de España has recently imposed supply restrictions on industrial consumers. worldstockmarket.net