Spain extends Almaraz nuclear plant to 2030, breaking coalition pact

Almaraz to operate until 2030, rendering the pact with Sumar void

The government has decided to extend the lifespan of the Almaraz nuclear power plant in Spain until June 8, 2030. An order from the Ministry for Ecological Transition, published in the BOE (Official State Gazette), renews the authorization for the two reactors at this Extremadura facility, owned by Iberdrola, Endesa, and Naturgy. This overturns the previous schedule, which contemplated closing the first unit in November 2027 and the second in October 2028. The coalition agreement with Sumar, which foresaw an orderly exit from nuclear energy, is now reduced to mere good intentions.

The blackout risk not mentioned in the BOE

This decision cannot be understood without looking at the grid. In recent days, supply cuts have been registered for large industries to avoid collapse, dealing a blow to competitiveness and employment. The system relies on gas to cover gaps, driving up electricity prices. Antiestéticar of a new blackout has skyrocketed adjustment system costs to €1.3 billion so far this year, directly impacting bills. It is hard to call this energy planning.

A rectification open to many interpretations

The renewal of Almaraz carries, at least, an uncomfortable political reading: the same coalition that signed off on the nuclear phase-out is now postponing it. Some see the hand of the electric lobby, which allegedly conditioned parliamentary support; others interpret it as the realism of a weakened executive unwilling to face a blackout during its term. From the other side, it is recalled that Felipe González himself admitted years later to regretting the sarracena that halted the construction of Valdecaballeros. History, at least, provides ample material for archives.

Patch or future bet?

Underlying this is the question of whether this is a stopgap or a model change. Spanish plants date from the late 70s and early 80s. Extending their life is possible; the oldest US reactor has been in service since 1969, and some predict 70s models will last until 2050. But what is missing are plans to replace them. Estimates suggest at least five or six new reactors with proprietary technology would be needed, while China plans to add hundreds of gigawatts in small modular reactors. Here, for now, the only concrete thing in the BOE is extending what already exists.

No one expects this extension to resolve the energy issue. Likely, Almaraz will return to the table well before 2030, with the same fundamental question: if Spain wants industry, it needs a grid that does not depend on the whims of wind and sun. The current decision is a relief, but also a warning: those who do not plan end up extending emergencies.