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Stalemate Over Almaraz Extension as Government Fast-Tracks Grid Reinforcement

The ministry’s strict safety, supply and consumer-cost criteria have held back any extension request for the Almaraz plant.

Imagen aérea de Cofrentes, con las pisas de almacenamiento del combustible gastado a la izquierda.
Central Nuclear de Almaraz.
La vicepresidenta segunda, Yolanda Díaz, y la vicepresidenta tercera de Transición Ecológica, Sara Aagesen, durante un pleno del Congreso.
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Overview

  • No formal extension request for the Almaraz plant has been filed because owners have not reached consensus and failed to satisfy the ministry’s safety, supply and consumer-cost conditions.
  • A coalition split has emerged, with the PSOE open to revising nuclear timelines and Sumar reaffirming its commitment to the 2027–2035 shutdown schedule.
  • Workers and Extremadura leaders continue to push for an extension to avoid significant job losses and economic damage in the region.
  • Iberdrola’s CEO warns that without legislative and tax reforms, extending nuclear operations will not be economically viable for plant owners.
  • The Ecology Ministry is fast-tracking a Royal Decree to reinforce grid resilience through enhanced regulator oversight, storage targets and streamlined connection procedures after the peninsula-wide blackout.