Foro Nuclear calls for the implementation of the International Energy Agency’s recommendations
The International Energy Agency (IEA) recommends assessing the lifetime extension of Spain’s nuclear reactors, following the necessary safety reviews and considering security of supply as well as the costs and benefits of their long-term operation.
In its recent report, “Energy Policy Review Spain 2026”, the IEA recommends, among its priority actions, to “consider approving the extension of existing nuclear reactors, following safety reviews, taking into account their role in security of supply and the costs and benefits of long-term operation.”
The report also warns that “the planned phase-out of nuclear power between 2027 and 2035 has important implications for Spain’s security of energy supply and decarbonisation.” It further notes that managing the safe and affordable phase-out of nuclear generation requires ensuring that renewable generation, system flexibility and stability resources are deployed and integrated in a timely manner, while also considering broader geopolitical and economic dynamics and the associated risks.
Nuclear plants provide reliable, low-carbon electricity and support the well-functioning operation of the power system, IEA says
The international organisation highlights that “nuclear plants provide reliable, low-carbon electricity and support the well-functioning operation of the power system.” Nuclear energy also provides firm and stable capacity and strengthens security of supply by reducing dependence on natural gas imports. This contribution, the report states, should be considered when assessing potential lifetime extensions.
After the recent extension of the operating licence for the Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant, the report recommends establishing a transparent framework for evaluating future decisions on a case-by-case basis. Such assessments should be based on safety criteria overseen by the regulatory authority. They should also take into account the costs and benefits for both consumers and the electricity system as a whole.
The report also refers to the August 2026 ministerial order issued by the Government of Spain, which “approved this extension citing international energy-market uncertainty and the need to mitigate consumer exposure to price volatility.”
IEA: "Nuclear energy “contributes to system stability as a source of synchronous generation, contributing to the secure and reliable functioning of the electricity grid”
In addition, the IEA stresses that nuclear energy “contributes to system stability as a source of synchronous generation, contributing to the secure and reliable functioning of the electricity grid.”
The IEA further states that “taxes and levies associated with nuclear energy should thereby ensure that the economic framework recognises both the contribution of nuclear power to the energy system and the costs associated with externalities, such as waste management and decommissioning costs.”
Finally, it indicates that “the government should establish a long-term workforce planning outlook reflecting its decisions on operating extensions as well as eventual phase-outs of nuclear plants. This would support skills retention and knowledge management across the nuclear supply chain.”
All these recommendations are consistent with those that Foro Nuclear has long been advocating, given the need for nuclear energy to remain part of Spain’s long-term energy mix in order to meet the challenges of the energy transition and economy-wide decarbonisation.
