Spain's Almaraz nuclear plant seeks operating extension to 2030

Spain's nuclear safety regulator (CSN) issued a favourable opinion for the Almaraz plant to continue operating until at least 2030. The plant’s owners – Endesa, Iberdrola and Naturgy – have completed the required technical upgrades, and the government now has a two‑month window to grant a formal licence extension.

Local workers, regional officials and the Extremadura government have organised protests and appealed to Brussels, arguing that closing the plant would harm the regional economy and jeopardise electricity supply. The debate has shifted from technical safety to political and ideological considerations, especially after recent near‑grid‑stress events when Red Eléctrica limited industrial consumption.

Supporters cite the longevity of the U.S. North Anna plant, which operates under a similar design until the 2050s, to argue that Almaraz can remain safe for many more years if permitted.