Spain’s Almaraz nuclear plant is at the centre of growing concerns over electricity supply and energy security, as plans to shut down the country’s largest nuclear facility by 2028 face renewed scrutiny.
The plant, located in the western village of Almaraz, generates around seven per cent of Spain’s electricity. It is scheduled to close as part of the government’s strategy to phase out all nuclear power by 2035, with the first reactor due to shut in 2027 and the second in 2028.
The policy, introduced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in 2019, is aligned with Spain’s push towards renewable energy. However, recent disruptions in global energy markets, including fuel supply instability linked to conflict in the Middle East and a nationwide blackout last year, have intensified debate over the timing of the phase-out.
Energy companies that co-own the plant have now called for an extension of operations until 2030, arguing that continued nuclear generation would stabilise electricity supply and help manage power prices during a period of market volatility.
Local economic dependence on the plant is significant. The facility employs around 800 permanent staff and draws hundreds of additional workers during annual refuelling operations. These temporary roles can pay up to 6,000 euros a month, a substantial income in Extremadura, one of Spain’s least developed regions.
“This is the region’s main industry,” said Fernando Sánchez Castilla, a plant employee and mayor of a nearby village. He estimated that the facility supports around 4,000 direct and indirect jobs and contributes about five per cent of the region’s economic output.
Businesses in the area are also closely tied to the plant’s operations. David Martín, who runs a restaurant established alongside the plant in the 1980s, said customer numbers fluctuate with activity at the site. During refuelling periods, he serves up to 260 meals daily, compared with around 80 during quieter times. “It would be a desert here” if the plant closes, he said, warning of job losses among his staff.
Workers have expressed concern over the planned shutdown. José Antonio Morgado, a mechanic involved in seasonal maintenance since 1989, said, “It’s sad that they want to shut it down,” reflecting fears over lost income and employment opportunities.
From an energy perspective, plant officials argue that nuclear power remains essential for grid stability. Patricia Rubio Oviedo, head of technical operations at Almaraz, said the facility could continue operating safely for several more years. “Nuclear energy is essential in the energy mix,” she said, noting its reliability compared with intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar.
At the European level, the European Commission has urged member states to avoid closing nuclear facilities prematurely, highlighting their role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and strengthening energy independence amid global supply risks.
Despite this, Spain remains committed to expanding renewable energy. The government aims to increase the share of electricity generated from renewables to 81 per cent by 2030, up from around 60 per cent at present, leveraging solar, wind and hydro resources.
Environmental groups support the phase-out. Francisco del Pozo Campos, a spokesperson for Greenpeace Spain, said extending the plant’s operation could increase consumer costs and result in an estimated 26 billion euros loss in renewable energy investment. “The government has to be brave. It cannot change its mind because its credibility is at stake,” he said.
The government has indicated that support measures will be introduced for affected workers, including retraining programmes linked to a planned electric vehicle battery factory in the region, backed by a Chinese industrial group.
A final decision on whether to proceed with or delay the closure is expected by the end of October. Until then, uncertainty continues for both the local community and Spain’s broader energy strategy, as policymakers weigh electricity security against long-term sustainability goals.
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