The struggle to keep the Almaraz nuclear power plant operational is not just a local or national issue; it is a matter of profound importance for all of Spain, Europe, and the global energy landscape. This facility is a cornerstone of energy production, and its continued operation is essential for ensuring a stable, competitive, and sustainable energy supply. This is why representatives from the platform defending Almaraz, including mayors and civil society leaders, will travel to Brussels next week to engage with the European Commission and Parliament. Their mission is to highlight the critical stakes involved in the plant’s future and to ensure that European leaders fully understand the implications of its potential closure. The delegation aims to convey that Almaraz is not just a Spanish concern but a vital component of Europe’s energy security and independence.
To remain competitive and independent in an increasingly challenging global environment, Europe needs an energy production system that is both mature and robust. This system must balance several key factors: reasonable taxation, decreasing costs, affordability, stability, safety, and environmental sustainability, including the absence of CO2 emissions. Given the current geopolitical tensions and the limitations of renewable energy storage technology, nuclear energy must play a central role in this energy mix. While the platform firmly supports the development of renewable energy sources—where Spain and Extremadura have made significant strides—it argues that renewables and nuclear energy are not competitors but allies. The platform emphasizes that replacing the reliable, constant power of nuclear energy with the intermittent nature of renewables is irresponsible given the current state of technology. This is not a rejection of renewables but a pragmatic acknowledgment of their limitations in ensuring a stable energy supply.
Economic competitiveness is another critical factor in this debate. Reports by experts like Letta and Draghi have repeatedly warned that without a stable and competitively priced energy supply, European industries—including defense industries—will struggle to survive in the global market. Many of these industries face fierce competition from foreign rivals, some of whom enjoy state support or favorable conditions that European companies do not. In Extremadura, the region where Almaraz is located, the economic stakes are even higher. The region has been promised new industries that could replace the plant as a key economic driver, but it is clear that no company will invest in an area without the assurance of a stable energy supply. Extremadura needs investment to address its economic challenges; its GDP per capita is less than 75% of the EU average, making it a recipient of funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund Plus. Closing Almaraz would only deepen the region’s economic disparities and hinder its progress.
The platform defending Almaraz is not merely fighting for jobs; it is advocating for energy sovereignty and economic viability. The Spanish government’s decision to close the plant, formalized between 2019 and 2020, was made under vastly different circumstances. Today, the context has changed, and Europe’s energy needs have evolved. The government must reconsider its position and engage in negotiations with the plant’s owners to ensure its continued operation. Almaraz’s proprietors are not seeking subsidies or special treatment; they are asking for a fair reduction in the tax burden, which is currently much higher than in other comparable countries. This adjustment would ensure the plant’s economic viability while maintaining its contribution to the energy grid. Additionally, technical inspections and evaluations by the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) have confirmed that Almaraz is fully capable of operating safely and efficiently for at least another 20 years, reaching the age of 60.
The global shift in energy policy further underscores the importance of nuclear energy. Countries like France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, Germany, and Belgium are increasingly embracing nuclear power as part of their energy strategies. The case of Belgium is particularly telling, as the European Commission has approved state aid for its nuclear program, demonstrating that nuclear policy is not solely a national matter but one that requires European oversight and coordination. This reinforces the idea that energy planning is a shared responsibility and that nuclear energy must be part of the mix. For Spain and Europe, the continued operation of Almaraz is essential for maintaining energy sovereignty, economic stability, and environmental goals.
In conclusion, the fight to save Almaraz is not just about preserving jobs or a single power plant; it is about safeguarding Europe’s energy future, economic competitiveness, and regional development. The Spanish government must recognize the changed circumstances and take a responsible approach to energy policy. By negotiating with the plant’s owners and reversing the closure plan, the government can ensure that Almaraz continues to play its vital role in the energy landscape. This is not just a decision for Spain but a necessary step to strengthen Europe’s energy independence and security. The platform is adamant that Almaraz will not close without a fight, and it calls on all stakeholders to work together to avoid a decision that would harm not just Extremadura but the entire continent.
