The Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear (CSN) recommended keeping the Almaraz nuclear power plant operational until at least June 2030 [1].
This recommendation could delay the scheduled closures of the facility's two reactors, ensuring a stable energy flow during Spain's transition to newer power sources. The decision hinges on the plant's ability to maintain national grid stability while the government evaluates long-term energy strategies.
Owners Iberdrola, Endesa, and Naturgy requested the extension to keep the plant running [2]. The CSN said that the facility in the province of Cáceres can operate safely through June 2030 [1]. According to the safety council, the plant provides approximately seven percent of Spain's national electricity supply [3].
The recommendation was issued in June 2026 [2]. The Spanish government now has two months to decide whether to grant the extension [1]. This window allows officials to weigh the safety findings against environmental goals, and the existing decommissioning timeline.
Local support for the extension has been evident in the region. The Diputación de Cáceres has previously urged the government to support the continued operation of the site to protect local economic interests [4].
If approved, the two reactors will avoid immediate shutdown, pushing the decommissioning phase further into the next decade. The CSN's technical assessment serves as the primary safety benchmark for the government's upcoming decision [2].
“The CSN determined that the facility in the province of Cáceres can operate safely through June 2030”
The recommendation to extend Almaraz's lifespan reflects a tension between Spain's commitment to phasing out nuclear power and the immediate need for energy security. By relying on a facility that provides 7% of the national supply, the government avoids a potential energy deficit, but it must balance this against the long-term goals of transitioning to renewable energy and managing nuclear waste.
