The Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant is entering a structured, phased transition toward dismantling after ceasing operations, with Unit 1 slated for retirement in 2027 and Unit 2 in 2028. In the near term, the plant’s leadership plans a three-year window dedicated to comprehensive studies, workforce planning, and process mapping to ensure a safe, compliant handover to Enresa for dismantling. The core questions guiding this pre-dismantling period are what tasks must be completed, which personnel are required, and what sequence of actions will guarantee a smooth transition. The focus remains on safety, regulator expectations, and environmental stewardship as the site and its staff prepare for the next phase.
The semi-annual operating report, updated through mid-2022 and projecting continued operation for the full year, shows Almaraz generating over 16,600 GWh in 2022, contributing about 6 percent to the region’s energy demand. This output underscores the plant’s ongoing role in the regional energy mix and informs decisions about the timing and scope of subsequent decommissioning activities. The report reflects a commitment to transparency and aligns with North American and European best practices for decommissioning planning.
Plant leadership emphasises flexibility within the planned shutdown horizon, noting readiness to adapt if government or concessionaire approvals permit adjustments. The aim is to stay prepared for multiple pathways while maintaining strict safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental protections throughout the transition. The leadership’s message highlights preparedness for any scenario, accompanied by continuous modernization and risk management across operations to support future steps in the dismantling process.
The plant has faced several incidents this year related to forest-fire proximity and actions tied to aerial firefighting drills. These events involved drawing water from nearby reservoirs to cool reactor systems when required and demonstrated robust safety protocols and coordination with local authorities and firefighting services to protect the site and nearby communities. The incidents reinforce the importance of strong emergency response planning and interagency collaboration in cross-border energy infrastructure contexts.
Overall, the planning for the cross-year transition emphasizes a careful, staged approach. The three-year window before dismantling will be used to complete essential decommissioning studies, assess workforce needs, and finalize logistics for winding down both units while maintaining safe operations up to cessation. The strategy remains adaptable to potential future scenarios that could shift the timeline, with a priority on regulatory compliance, safety, and environmental protection as the core guide. This evolving plan serves as a roadmap for the next steps and helps keep stakeholders aligned as the project progresses, with clear milestones and safeguards documented for ongoing governance and oversight. The planning narrative draws on internal transition documents and industry-accepted practices to support a transparent, accountable process across Canada, the United States, and European partners in similar energy infrastructure changes.