Iberdrola, Endesa, and Naturgy have formally requested the Ministry for Ecological Transition to extend the Almaraz nuclear plant's life until June 2030. The government will forward the request to the Nuclear Safety Council for evaluation. This move comes amid political and economic tensions, with regional support ahead of elections in Extremadura.
The owners of the Almaraz nuclear plant, Iberdrola (52.7%), Endesa (36%), and Naturgy (11.3%), announced on October 30, 2025, after an extraordinary assembly, their formal request for an extension to the Ministry for Ecological Transition. The extension would affect both reactors: three more years for the first (until November 1, 2030, from 2027) and two for the second (until October 31, 2030, from 2028). Located in Cáceres, the plant supplies over 7% of Spain's electricity, equivalent to 4 million homes, and is a key socio-economic driver in Extremadura, generating skilled jobs.
The Ministry, led by Sara Aagesen, confirmed it will forward the request to the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) for its mandatory report. This process could take until September 2027, close to the first reactor's planned shutdown, with a 'point of no return' in March 2026 due to fuel cycles (18 months) and staff training. The CSN's opinion is binding only if negative; otherwise, the final decision is political by the government, which has not granted fiscal incentives despite business demands.
The request follows months of tense negotiations, after an April blackout that highlighted nuclear's role in supply stability. In parallel, the CSN will process the decommissioning file, though companies urge prioritizing the extension. Politically, it garners support: Extremadura's president María Guardiola cut the ecotax and called elections for December 21, where Almaraz will be pivotal. Madrid's Isabel Díaz Ayuso offered collaboration to defend nuclear energy, noting 15% of Madrid's power comes from Almaraz, with €6 billion in investments on hold.
The Sí a Almaraz platform stated: “We ask the Government to think of the citizens... Decide once and for all to maintain Almaraz.” The companies reaffirm their commitment to “safe, reliable, and efficient” operations, meeting the safety review valid until 2030.
