The electric utility companies that own the Almaraz nuclear power plant—Iberdrola, Endesa, and Naturgy—have sent a letter to the Ministry for Ecological Transition asking to extend the operational life of the Extremadura facility beyond 2027, until 2030. Sources from Ecological Transition affirm that they have received the missive, though they clarify that the three companies merely convey their “willingness” to extend Almaraz’s closure schedule, but they do not notify or advance any specific action. In this regard, they insist that the ministry has not changed its position that, to consider any possible extension, it must guarantee safety from a radiological perspective, not entail a higher cost for citizens, and be convenient for supply security.
In this regard, it appears the Government will await the assessment that Red Eléctrica, the system operator, must now issue regarding the possible extension. Red Eléctrica is legally obliged to disclose whether the closure of Almaraz poses a threat to the country’s supply security. Red Eléctrica will have to put in writing whether it is possible to dispense with Almaraz without jeopardizing the system, which is currently under full intervention to prevent new blackouts.
