Spain's Almaraz nuclear plant cleared for operation until 2030

The Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) voted Thursday to endorse a technical report that allows the Almaraz nuclear power station in Cáceres to remain in service until June 2030. The assessment, based on 29 specialist documents, confirmed that both reactors meet current safety, ageing‑management and environmental standards, and it added conditions on staffing levels for 2028‑2030.

The report is not binding; the final decision now rests with the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, which has up to two months to approve or reject the extension. If approved, the plant’s scheduled shutdowns in November 2027 and October 2028 will be postponed, preserving roughly 7 % of Spain’s electricity supply and about 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The extension has sparked political debate. The government has said any prolongation must meet three conditions: proven safety, guaranteed electricity supply and no extra cost to consumers. Critics, including Greenpeace and the Foundation Renovables, argue the move would add an estimated €3.8 billion to citizens, delay renewable investment and could trigger a “domino effect” that forces the postponement of closures at other Spanish reactors.