Fernando Ferrando and Ismael Morales: The reasons for extending Almaraz are not transparent

Fernando Ferrando, president of the Renewables Foundation, and Ismael Morales, his head of Climate Policy, have criticized the Spanish government's decision to extend the operational life of the Almaraz nuclear power plant until 2030. In a recent interview with elDiario.es, they argued that the reasons behind the extension lack transparency and contradict Spain’s broader energy transition goals. The decision was made public on August 14, a Friday, which they see as a sign of secrecy surrounding the rationale. The move has raised concerns over its implications for renewable energy investments and the country’s climate commitments. The extension of Almaraz’s lifespan comes amid ongoing efforts to align national energy policy with international climate targets. According to Ferrando, the government has shifted its narrative without providing technical justification for keeping the plant open. He pointed out that extending Almaraz would reduce the potential contribution of renewables by up to 14 terawatt-hours starting in 2029, or 7 terawatt-hours by 2028. This could lead to suppressed prices in the photovoltaic sector, undermining investment in clean energy projects. Morales added that the extension effectively nullifies key components of Spain’s National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC). The plan sets binding targets for reducing emissions and increasing renewable capacity, and the prolonged operation of Almaraz threatens these objectives. He warned that this change could trigger a chain reaction, jeopardizing the strategic roadmap laid out in the PNIEC and its anticipated update in 2028. Altering the rules mid-course risks destabilizing regulatory certainty and long-term planning for the energy transition. Spain has witnessed rapid growth in renewable energy infrastructure in recent years, but enthusiasm has waned as utilities shift focus toward distribution networks rather than new generation projects. Ferrando noted that electricity companies are slowing down investments in renewables and selling existing assets. The extension of Almaraz, he said, fits into this trend by blocking the installation of new solar facilities, particularly in Extremadura, where the plant is located. Morales emphasized that the PNIEC relies on decommissioning old plants within set timelines to make room for new technologies such as storage and flexible grid systems. The continued operation of Almaraz undermines this process, creating barriers to the deployment of renewable energy and associated infrastructure. He stressed that the government must adhere to the legal framework established under the Climate Change Law to ensure consistency and reliability in energy policy. The role of transmission system operators, such as Red Eléctrica de España (REE), has come under scrutiny. Ferrando highlighted how these entities control the pace of the energy transition through their authority over grid connections and modifications. Delays in approving new installations, such as hybrid power plants or battery storage, can stretch beyond the timeframes mandated by law. This gives them significant influence over the speed at which the energy market evolves. In addition, Ferrando pointed out a peculiar aspect of the so-called "reinforced operation," a safety buffer implemented by REE following past blackouts. Under this arrangement, combined-cycle gas turbines are not subject to daily scheduling restrictions, allowing them to operate at higher profit margins. While private companies are driven by shareholder returns, public institutions are tasked with enforcing compliance with regulations. Ferrando called for stronger state oversight and greater involvement from consumer advocacy groups to ensure that the transition proceeds according to legal standards. Despite these challenges, both Ferrando and Morales acknowledged progress in recognizing the importance of renewable energy among utility and oil companies. They expressed optimism that these firms increasingly understand the inevitability of a green future, even though the pace of transformation remains controlled by those managing the grid and market structures.