Major electricity companies reached an agreement with Enresa, the publicly traded entity responsible for radioactive waste, in 2019. The plan called for a phased closure of all nuclear power plants, which would bring a total shutdown of atomic energy in the country. The agreement involved Endesa, Iberdrola, Naturgy and EDP and envisions a gradual shutdown of facilities starting in 2027 and concluding in 2035.
In recent months, political groups PP, Vox and Ciudadanos have urged a review of the closing schedule to push back deadlines amid the energy crisis. More recently, the energy industry itself has joined the discussion, with cautious input from large corporations—while the government offers to discuss a review if deemed necessary—and professional associations within the nuclear sector.
The government is standing firm and intends to keep the agreed dates intact. In the next revision of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), the ministry overseeing ecological transition says the roadmap for electricity generation technologies by 2030 is unlikely to alter the decommissioning program for nuclear energy.
“The government is not considering changes to the calendar or extending the life of nuclear power plants. It will uphold the agreement between the holding companies and Enresa, and this will be reflected in the upcoming PNIEC update,” stated Sara Aagesen, the State Secretary for Energy, during questions at the Congress about calls to extend the usable life of Spanish reactors. The administration plans to present an updated plan with stricter targets to the European Commission for approval within the year.
“No interest from electricity companies”
The government emphasizes that no company has expressed a desire to alter the deadlines and that delaying shutdowns to address emergencies from prior crises is not a viable solution. “There is no interest from the companies in extending the service life of the facilities. They prefer to invest in renewable energy,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs noted.
The nuclear sector points out that while operating beyond the planned dates is technically possible, it depends on economic viability. Utilities would consider continuing to run reactors if profitability is guaranteed, with stable wages or fixed income and lower taxes than currently assumed.
The sector also highlights that decisions about revision timelines for the plant closures are not open-ended. A timely determination is needed, especially regarding Almaraz I slated for 2027, to avoid cascading delays. The industry urges the current executive or the next government elected in 2030 to decide no later than next year on whether to adjust the plan or delay early closures.
According to the Nuclear Forum, the employers’ association, along with the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) and the owners of the power plants, the investment planning for the prior process, and the preparation required to extend operating permits for each plant, require roughly three years. Therefore, avoiding the first reactor shutdown in 2027 necessitates a decision by next year.
CSN, Enresa and the utility companies continue to work with the government’s closure schedule as a practical roadmap for operating and planning deadlines. The phased shutdown of seven Spanish reactors, initially agreed with major power companies in 2019, includes Almaraz I in 2027, Almaraz II in 2028, Ascó I in 2030, Cofrentes in 2030, Ascó II, Vandellós II in 2032 and 2035, and Trillo in 2035. The plan remains a central element of national energy planning and regulatory oversight. (Source: Efe)