Spain continues to pursue the closure of the Cofrentes nuclear facility in November 2030, even amid an energy crisis tied to reliance on gas and delays in rolling out renewable parks. The nation remains committed to the executive roadmap agreed with facility operators and Enresa, the public body charged with radioactive waste management and dismantling nuclear facilities. Spain has embraced a cautious, gradual phase-out of its nuclear capacity, similar in spirit to other European shifts. In recent developments, Cofrentes has now closed its remaining active reactors. Political changes could affect the timelines for nuclear retirements, especially if a new government questions the pace of closures. However, the high operating costs and profitability questions create additional pressures against extending the life of aging plants.
Over the past two years, renewable energy development has faced roadblocks due to differing regional rules within the Consell, including directives that slowed wind and photovoltaic projects until ordering bodies issued clear mandates. This stagnation has heightened Valencia’s energy dependence. Cofrentes, seven years after its closure, remains a focal point in discussions about Spain’s energy mix. The Nuclear Industry Forum of Spain currently stresses that the community is operating within the scenario of a planned shutdown for the seven active reactors, beginning with Almaraz I in 2027 and concluding with Vanadellós II and Trillo in 2035.
State management
A spokesperson for Iberdrola, the owner of Cofrentes, stated that the company will honor the 2019 agreement with the Government and Enresa regarding an orderly closure of the nuclear park. This is viewed as an energy policy issue that must be resolved at the national level. If the Government proposes continuing operations beyond the scheduled closure date, any such decision would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering terms and conditions. Nuclear power plants need profitable economics and proper pricing to extend their useful life.
“In excellent condition”
Iberdrola emphasizes that Spanish nuclear plants are in robust working order and contribute to the reliability of the electricity supply. Any attempt to alter the established protocol should come from the Government. In the meantime, companies are taking the necessary steps to comply with the existing agreement and its protocol.
Employers within the Nuclear Forum of Spain echo the same sentiment. The association, representing the leading nuclear energy players, notes that the current focus is on the closing scenario but acknowledges that if Spain lacks a guaranteed energy source, the Government may adjust its National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan in the future. Proceedings from industry insiders indicate that Cofrentes, along with Valencia’s photovoltaic plants, currently operate under specific annual hours. A broad, rapid expansion of renewable capacity is deemed essential for a reliable energy future.
200 million
The Nuclear Forum points out that Spanish nuclear facilities have the technical capacity to run longer, supported by ongoing investments in improvements amounting to about 200 million euros annually. Some plants in other countries sustain operation well into six or seven decades, and France also pursues extended lifespans for its reactors. This perspective highlights the global context of plant longevity discussions and the varying regulatory and market conditions that influence decisions.
Tax considerations remain a critical factor. Spanish nuclear operators face higher fiscal costs compared with peers in other nations. The association notes that Spain imposes a tax of around 25 euros per megawatt produced, while some peers incur substantially lower charges. The overall fiscal framework, including energy pricing caps, shapes profitability and the feasibility of extending plant lifespans. The Nuclear Forum emphasizes that any future extension would require careful negotiations with the Government, given the high taxation environment and the need to ensure a viable business model.