The Spanish government has decided to extend the operational life of the Almaraz nuclear power plant, triggering strong opposition from coalition partner Sumar.
The decision marks a departure from the governing agreement between the ruling Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and junior coalition partner Sumar, as well as the electoral manifesto pledged by the socialists, which both stipulated the phase-out of atomic energy in Spain.
Left-wing coalition partner Sumar accused the administration of yielding to the country's electricity industry oligopoly by granting the extension. Members of the Podemos political movement have also staged protests against the decision, though government officials at the La Mareta presidential residence have proceeded despite parliamentary friction.
Minister for Ecological Transition Sara Aagesen maintained that the overall strategic projection of the government remains unchanged and that Spain will fulfill its planned schedule to decommission all nuclear reactors by 2035.
Nuclear power currently generates 20 percent of Spain's electricity. Under the ministry's strategy, atomic capacity is slated for replacement by new energy storage systems, battery technology, and pumped hydro capacity over the coming decade. However, critics note that these alternative systems currently exist primarily as paper projects and lack the baseline generation capacity of existing reactors.
Shift in Energy Policy
The extension of the plant has drawn scrutiny toward European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera, who receives an annual salary of 424,236 euros in her European executive role after previously serving as Spain's Minister for Ecological Transition.
During her tenure in the Spanish cabinet, Ribera consistently opposed nuclear power and engaged in policy debates with Opposition Leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo of the People's Party. Ribera previously asserted that nuclear power plants had neither a future nor economic sense, arguing that atomic energy was financially deficit-ridden and dependent on state subsidies or higher consumer electricity bills.
Energy industry representatives highlighted that Spanish nuclear power faced heavy taxation imposed by the socialist administration, but argued that low operational costs made atomic power vital for grid stability, a function demonstrated during the major nationwide blackout of 2025.
After taking office at the European Commission, Ribera approved substantial European Union subsidies to extend the operational life of nuclear reactors across Europe, notably in Belgium, citing the necessity of guaranteeing energy supply security.
Political Fallout and Grid Outlook
Ribera has maintained public silence regarding the Almaraz extension. The decision adds to a series of major policy shifts by the socialist leadership, which also includes the passage of an amnesty law and political agreements with EH Bildu.
Analysts warn that without active nuclear generation or fully developed storage infrastructure, Spain risks substituting electric utilities with reliance on imported natural gas, following models seen in Germany. Such reliance could require ongoing state subsidies or result in higher electricity bills for domestic consumers.
