Foro Nuclear welcomes the Government's authorisation for Almaraz to continue operating until 2030
August 14, 2026An official Government Order from 12 August renews the operating licence for the Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant in Spain until 8 June 2030, following the favourable report issued by the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN). The decision recognises that continued operation contributes to the electricity system, helps reduce exposure to fossil fuel price volatility and does not jeopardise national renewable energy targets or European decarbonisation goals.
Foro Nuclear welcomes the Government’s decision, announced today, to renew the operating licences for both units of the Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant until 8 June 2030. The decision follows the mandatory favourable report issued by the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN), which assessed the technical documentation submitted by the operator and monitored the facility throughout the period covered by the previous licence.
According to Foro Nuclear President Marta Ugalde, “It is excellent news that a strategic infrastructure such as Almaraz can continue operating, as nuclear energy is essential to the electricity generation mix. It provides firm, synchronous and inertial power and strengthens energy autonomy by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, as recognised by the European Commission. The continued operation of Almaraz provides certainty for the region and highlights the value of safe, emissions-free and competitive nuclear energy that complements renewable energy sources.”
The Order states that the current context of international energy uncertainty makes it advisable to adopt measures that help strengthen the resilience of Spain’s electricity system. According to the decision, the extension of operations will help reduce natural gas-fired electricity generation by around 7% compared with the reference scenario.
The decision also concludes that this measure does not jeopardise national renewable energy targets or European decarbonisation goals, and helps to reduce the electricity system’s exposure to fossil fuel price volatility.
The continued operation of Almaraz also comes against an international backdrop of growing recognition of nuclear energy as a means of strengthening energy security, reducing emissions and supporting the progress of electrification.
Foro Nuclear believes that this new timeframe should be used to calmly and rigorously address the role that nuclear energy should play in Spain’s future energy model. It is also essential to review the regulatory, economic and tax conditions needed to maintain its contribution, in line with European priorities for strategic autonomy, industrial competitiveness and decarbonisation.
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