Madrid applauds the extension of Almaraz and calls for a change in nuclear policy
The central government's decision to authorize the Almaraz nuclear power plant to continue operating until June 2030 has been met with satisfaction by the regional government and the regional business community, who see the measure as a support for the security of electricity supply.
The Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (Miteco) has renewed the operating permit for units I and II of the Extremaduran plant, a decision that was published this Friday in the Official State Gazette (BOE). Thus, both reactors will be able to continue operating, at least, until June 8, 2030.
The Minister of Environment, Agriculture and Interior, Carlos Novillo, has defended the continuity of nuclear energy and believes that the extension of the activity of Spanish plants should have been agreed upon earlier. In a message disseminated on social networks, the Madrid councilor has highlighted its contribution to decarbonization and energy autonomy, as well as its role in ensuring electricity supply and preventing blackouts.
"ALMARAZ IS NOT CLOSING!" wrote Novillo, who also congratulated those who, in his words, have worked to achieve the continuity of the plant.
From the Madrid business sector, the president of CEIM and first vice-president of the CEOE, Miguel Garrido, has also positively assessed the government's decision and has also asked it to modify its energy policy regarding nuclear power plants.
"After several years of demanding it, the businessmen of Madrid are satisfied that the Government has finally agreed to extend the useful life of Almaraz, as advised by all technicians and experts in the field," stated Garrido.
The business leader considers that the Executive should abandon a nuclear strategy based, in his opinion, on "ideological rather than technological criteria" and promote the use of this energy source, which he describes as "safe, stable, economical and clean."
The renewal has the approval of the Nuclear Safety Council, which has maintained continuous monitoring of the facility and has verified compliance with nuclear safety and radiological protection requirements based on the analysis of technical documentation.
The Almaraz plant, located in the province of Cáceres, began its activity in 1983 and belongs to Iberdrola, Naturgy and Endesa, integrated into the Centrales Nucleares Almaraz-Trillo (CNAT) company. Until now, the authorizations for its two units had a horizon of 2027 and 2028.
