Spain has extended the operating licence for the Almaraz nuclear power station (units I and II) until 8 June 2030. The corresponding Orden TED/864/2026, dated 12 August, was published on Friday, 14 August 2026, in the Boletín Oficial del Estado . It is based on a favourable safety report from the Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear.
The Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica stressed that the limited extension does not alter the long-planned complete phase-out of nuclear power by 2035. Continued operation is conditional on strict compliance with the technical requirements of the Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear; any deviations could lead to the licence being revoked. The government also cites security of supply and grid stability, while maintaining its renewable energy expansion targets.
Environmental groups and some members of the left-wing coalition were quick to criticise the decision. The Fundación Renovables said there was a lack of transparency and warned that the move could send a discouraging signal to investment in wind and solar power. Fernando Ferrando and Ismael Morales said in an interview that publishing the decision on a Friday suggested it was politically sensitive. In their view, the move contradicts the previous narrative of a rapid transition to renewables and undermines the credibility of the government’s policy.
At the same time, regional representatives in Extremadura and industry groups highlighted economic and system-related reasons. The plant secures skilled jobs in the province of Cáceres and helps relieve pressure on electricity supply at times of high demand. The industry association Foro Nuclear welcomed the decision, citing the positive report from the Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear, and argued that orderly continued operation would make energy mix planning easier.
Legally, the extension follows the standard procedure: the operator applies, the regulator conducts its review, the government decides by ministerial order and publishes it in the Boletín Oficial del Estado. Orden TED/864/2026 sets out deadlines, conditions and reporting requirements; it enters into force upon publication.
Politically, the debate over the path to climate neutrality is likely to intensify. While the government points to security of supply and the unchanged 2035 target, critics are calling for stronger state direction of renewable capacity expansion and clear investment signals. It is currently unclear whether the extension will cause measurable delays to projects.
Editor: Daniel Mayer (Article created with AI assistance).