Nuclear watchdog backs Almaraz extension, setting up political showdown over Spain's energy future

Spain's Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) has approved a technical report recommending the extension of the Almaraz nuclear power plant's operation until 2030, passing the final decision to the national government. The move, reported by multiple outlets, reopens a political debate over the country's nuclear phase-out timeline and its renewable energy goals.

"La institución propone, en su informe técnico sobre las condiciones de seguridad, mantener en funcionamiento los dos reactores hasta junio de 2030."

20MINUTOS.ESEl CSN aprueba la prórroga de la central nuclear de Almaraz y deja ahora la pelota en el tejado del Gobierno

The plant's owners, Iberdrola, Endesa, and Naturgy, had requested the extension, according to okdiario. The CSN's vote was the second time the matter came before the council, and now the government must decide whether to grant the extension or proceed with the planned closure.

okdiarioEl Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear avala la prórroga de la central de Almaraz hasta 2030

However, a separate study by researchers from the Barcelona School of Economics and the Institut de Recerca en Energia de Catalunya warns that keeping Spain's nuclear fleet active would undermine renewable energy targets. The study, cited by pv-magazine.es, used 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations and concluded that extending nuclear power reduces the likelihood of reaching the 2030 target of 81% renewable generation to zero.

pv-magazine.esEstudio concluye que prolongar la energía nuclear en España hace inviable el objetivo del 81% de renovables para 2030

"Prolonging the operation of Spain's 7.1 GW nuclear fleet makes it 100% impossible to achieve the PNIEC's 2030 target of 81% renewable generation."

The tension between energy security, emissions reduction, and renewable integration now rests with the government. Regional authorities in Extremadura, where Almaraz is located, along with the regional Socialist party, have called for a favorable decision on the extension, according to 20minutos.es. The outcome will signal whether Spain prioritizes nuclear stability or accelerates its green transition.