Spain’s Almaraz operating license extended into 2030

The Spanish government has renewed for another three years the operating license of Almaraz nuclear power plant, the country's largest power plant and a facility that was originally scheduled to shut down beginning next year as part of Spain's plans to phase out nuclear energy.

The license renewal-issued on August 12 by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge and posted publicly on August 14-extends the license of the two-unit, 2,017-MWe Almaraz through June 8, 2030.

The decision, however, noted that the long-term schedule for Spain's nuclear fleet has not changed, with 2035 earmarked as the year when entire Spanish fleet will be shut down.

Further context: A number of factors have come into play recently that seem to be prompting a change in the Spanish government's plans-even if it's for only a few years. Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the resultant impact on energy prices and availability have raised concerns across Europe, including in Spain. A massive power outage left millions in Spain without power last year, with some blaming the phase-out of nuclear and others blaming a reliance on renewable energy sources. Last fall, Almaraz's operator, Centrales Nucleares Almaraz-Trillo, requested that the ministry extend operations into 2030. Based on the government agency's decision, it appears Almaraz will stay on line for a little while longer.

"Although Spain is better prepared thanks to the progress made in the energy transition, this sudden context of high prices and greater volatility and uncertainty increases the exposure of the country, its citizens, and the productive sector to the vulnerability that comes with dependence on these fuels, in a situation different from what was previously expected," according to the decision (Microsoft translation of the original Spanish).

The decision comes about a month after the country's Nuclear Safety Council issued a report that was favorable of extending operations at Almaraz by a few more years.

"It is excellent news that a strategic infrastructure such as Almaraz can continue operating, as nuclear energy is essential to the electricity generation mix," said Foro Nuclear president Marta Ugalde in a statement. Foro Nuclear is a Spanish association that supports the country's nuclear energy sector.

"It provides firm, synchronous, and inertial power and strengthens energy autonomy by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, as recognized by the European Commission," she added. "The continued operation of Almaraz provides certainty for the region and highlights the value of safe, emissions-free and competitive nuclear energy that complements renewable energy sources."

Almaraz's two reactors are among seven operational reactors in Spain. According to Centrales Nucleares, Almaraz produces more than 7 percent of the electricity consumed in Spain, equivalent to more than 4 million homes. Almaraz-1 went into commercial operation in 1983, followed by Almaraz-2 in 1984. The two reactors are three-loop pressurized water reactors from Westinghouse. Almaraz-1 was the first reactor scheduled to be shut down, with its license originally set to expire on November 1, 2027. Almaraz-2 would have followed suit one year later, on October 31, 2028.