The government reached an agreement with major electricity companies in 2019 to progressively close all nuclear power plants, paving the way for a total atomic phase-out in the country. The deal with Endesa, Iberdrola, Naturgy and EDP commits to initiating closures in 2027 and completing them by 2035. (Source: Spanish Nuclear Society)
During a period of heightened energy strain across Europe, several nations began rethinking plans to shut down nuclear parks early. Spain’s nuclear sector is now engaging in coordinated efforts to influence government policy, urging flexibility in line with other European approaches. The Spanish Nuclear Society (SNE), an umbrella for nuclear professionals and affiliated companies including Endesa, Iberdrola, Naturgy, EDP and their joint ventures, issued a manifesto calling for postponed deadlines and a longer operational life for Spain’s reactors. (Source: Spanish Nuclear Society)
In conjunction with the mandatory review of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), the manifesto asks that the 2024 revision explicitly preserve the option to maintain reactors scheduled for shutdowns as part of a revised energy roadmap through 2030 and beyond. (Source: Spanish Nuclear Society)
“The prudent course is to delay, at minimum, the nuclear shutdowns in Spain,” the manifesto asserts, noting that many other EU nations have kept reactors longer. It warns that continuing to press for early closures could undermine energy security amid price volatility and geopolitical pressures, while stressing the importance of maintaining emission-free generation to meet climate goals. (Source: Spanish Nuclear Society)
for decades
The 2019 framework laid out a staged shutdown of seven Spanish reactors: Almaraz I in 2027, Almaraz II in 2028, Ascó I and Cofrentes in 2030, Ascó II in 2032, and Vandellós II and Trillo in 2035. Under this plan, by 2030 roughly 4,000 MW of capacity would be removed from the national grid. (Source: Spanish Nuclear Society)
According to the manifesto, losing about 12% of the nation’s electricity production would remove a significant source from wholesale markets. It also argues that meeting the PNIEC’s decarbonisation targets would be impossible if four nuclear units are shut down before the end of 2030. (Source: Spanish Nuclear Society)
The government has reaffirmed its stance on preserving agreed closing dates, emphasizing that no company requested deadline changes and that delaying shutdowns is not a solution to the current energy crisis. (Source: Spanish Nuclear Society)
The schedule, if followed, would leave Spain’s nuclear plants operating on average around 46 years from their initial startup. The industry contends that there are no technical barriers to extending reactor life beyond six decades. (Source: Spanish Nuclear Society)
“From a technical standpoint, and drawing on robust experience in the sector, the safe operation of Spain’s nuclear plants can be sustained for 60 years or more without legal or technical impediments,” the manifesto notes. It also points out that other countries such as the United States, France, Japan and Belgium have extended reactor lifespans to 60, and in some cases 80 years. Running a plant for more than 40 years does not pose a fundamental technological or economic hurdle. (Source: Spanish Nuclear Society)
early decision
The nuclear industry cautions that the window for deciding whether to revise the closure schedule is not unlimited, and that delays to initial plant shutoffs could constrain future options. A decision is needed within the current year or next to push back early closures, especially Almaraz I in 2027. As a result, the sector assigns responsibility to the current administration or the next government elected later this year. (Source: Spanish Nuclear Society)
“2023 marks a pivotal moment for Spain. There must be a clear commitment by 2024 regarding the role of nuclear energy in the 2030–2050 horizon, and the definitive shutdown of Almaraz 1 must be technically validated for the grid,” the Spanish Nuclear Society warns. (Source: Spanish Nuclear Society)
Utilities face an upfront process to plan the investments and resources needed, while regulators must establish the procedures to extend each reactor’s operating permit. On average, the process to renew a plant’s operating license spans about three years from review to renewal. (Source: Spanish Nuclear Society)