Overview
- Iberdrola, Endesa and Naturgy formally asked to extend Almaraz’s operation to June 2030, and the Energy Ministry has received the petition and will pass it to the nuclear regulator.
- The CSN must now analyze the extension request while continuing the legally required shutdown procedure already underway for the first reactor in 2027.
- Minister Sara Aagesen reiterated the government’s red lines that any extension must guarantee radiological safety, ensure security of supply and add no costs for consumers or taxpayers.
- Regional politics intensified as Extremadura’s president María Guardiola urged approval and Madrid’s Isabel Díaz Ayuso offered support ahead of Extremadura’s December 21 election.
- Industry voices pressed the grid‑stability case for longer nuclear lives, with Endesa’s CEO arguing extensions are inevitable and the Catalan operator ANAV warning a closure at Almaraz could erode competitiveness at Ascó and Vandellòs, while environmental groups opposed the move.