The Spanish Government approved on Friday 14 August an extension allowing the two reactors at the Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant to continue operating until at least 8 June 2030. The decision follows a favourable assessment issued by Spain’s Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) in July and has now been officially published in the Spanish Official State Gazette.

AMAC, the Spanish Association of Municipalities in Nuclear Power Plant and Nuclear Waste Storage Areas and a member of GMF, has strongly welcomed the decision. AMAC President Juan Pedro Sánchez highlighted the sustained efforts of local communities, institutions and other stakeholders to support the continued operation of Almaraz.

According to AMAC, the decision is particularly significant for the municipalities surrounding the plant, where Almaraz plays an important socio-economic role. The association also considers the extension an important step for the future of Spain’s other nuclear power plants and their host communities.

AMAC has consistently advocated for extending the operating lifetime of Spain’s nuclear power plants where this is supported by the competent nuclear safety authority. The association argues that nuclear energy remains important for ensuring security of supply, meeting growing electricity demand and contributing to low-carbon electricity generation.

The Almaraz decision could therefore have broader implications for the ongoing debate about the future of Spain’s nuclear fleet and the communities that host these facilities.

Source: AMAC