The Spanish government has extended the operating period of the Almaraz nuclear power plant until June 8, 2030, despite the commitment to phase out nuclear energy by 2035.

The left-wing government in Madrid, led by socialist Pedro Sanchez, has decided to extend the operational lifespan of the Almaraz nuclear power plant, the largest in Spain, until June 8, 2030, according to a decree published in the Official Journal. The two reactors of the plant, activated in the early 1980s, were supposed to be shut down in 2027 and 2028. Although the government has committed to phasing out nuclear energy by 2035, the owning companies, Iberdrola, Endesa, and Naturgy, have different visions for the future of the plant. The major power crisis in April 2035 and the impact of the war in the Middle East have reignited debates about energy production in Spain, and the government is betting on renewable sources.

A civic collective, 'Yes for Almaraz, Yes for the Future', welcomed the extension of the plant's lifespan, considering it excellent news. The national nuclear safety authority has favorably reviewed the continuation of the reactors' operation, which provided 7% of the country's energy production last year. Currently, Spain has five nuclear power plants, contributing 19% to energy production, while renewable sources accounted for nearly 60%. The government aims to achieve a proportion of 81% of energy production from renewable sources by 2030.