The Government clarifies the extension for Almaraz and defends its current plan: "This Government will continue to make an unprecedented commitment to renewables"

This same Friday is marked by the Government's authorization for the renewal of the Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant in Extremadura, at least until 2030. However, it is subscribed "exclusively" to this facility, "not altering the definitive cessation date of the entire nuclear park in 2035," according to sources from the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO).

Ecological Transition emphasizes that the Government "maintains exactly the same position it has always defended" regarding this issue. This means that they argue that the extension of the operational life of the Extremaduran plant is granted after verifying that it complies with the three conditions established by the Executive. Furthermore, they promise that it is safe for people, does not compromise the security of supply in Spain, and has no cost to citizens.

In this context, sources indicate that the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) has confirmed the correct functioning of the plant, in addition to the correct level of radiological safety and imposed technical conditions. It also emphasizes that the extension is granted without "any type of tax reduction or economic compensation for electricity companies, although the owning companies had demanded tax cuts."

Apparently, the Executive has made this decision after "weighing the extraordinary circumstances derived from the conflict in the Middle East and the continuity of the war in Ukraine." They also emphasize that volatility and uncertainty are "significantly greater" than anticipated just a few months ago. Therefore, the extension to the operation of the Extremaduran plant "can contribute to moderating consumers' exposure to previously unforeseen peaks in fossil fuel prices."

On the other hand, Ecological Transition emphasizes that the Government's commitment to renewable energies "remains intact" and that the closure of Almaraz in 2030 does not compromise the penetration objective, because the reduction of its contribution planned for 2030 will be "little more than 1%," a percentage that "does not significantly alter the country's energy transition path."

Finally, they highlight how renewables "have improved Spain's competitiveness, have contributed to protecting consumers from rising fossil fuel prices, and are generating economic growth and attracting new industrial projects." "Our roadmap is clear, as it has been all these years. This Government will continue to promote an unprecedented agenda of commitment to renewables, because we know it is our main lever for competitiveness, strategic autonomy, and modernization of our economy," they concluded.