Spain, a European leader in renewable energy, is under increasing pressure from right-wing groups and business leaders to reconsider its plans to phase out nuclear power plants by 2035. The country, which once relied heavily on nuclear energy, is now facing calls to follow other European nations in reviving atomic power to meet growing energy demands.
In the 1980s, Spain had eight nuclear plants generating 38 percent of its electricity. Today, only five plants remain, contributing 20 percent of the nation’s power. Under a 2019 agreement by Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s government, these plants are set to close over the next decade as Spain shifts focus to green energy sources like solar and wind power.
However, as the planned closure of the Almaraz plant; Spain’s oldest and most powerful nuclear facility—approaches in 2027-28, opposition to the phase-out is growing. The two reactors at Almaraz produce around seven percent of Spain’s total electricity, making their closure a significant concern for energy security.
The Nuclear Forum, a lobby group representing the sector, argues that the decision to close nuclear plants was made in a different context and no longer makes sense without a viable alternative. “Atomic power will be needed to meet Spain’s electricity needs as demand will soar due to growing sales of electric vehicles and the expansion of data centers to accommodate the greater use of AI,” the group stated.
Ignacio Sanchez Galan, chairman of Spanish energy company Iberdrola, which operates several nuclear plants and renewable energy farms, emphasized that nuclear energy is “absolutely necessary” to ensure a stable power supply. Iberdrola is among 30 companies that recently signed a manifesto calling for the extension of Spain’s nuclear power plants. The manifesto warned that “dismantling this infrastructure prematurely would cause irreparable economic and social damage.”
Global interest in nuclear energy has surged since the Ukraine war caused gas prices to spike, reaching levels not seen since the oil crises of the 1970s, according to the International Energy Agency. Countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, and Italy are either building new nuclear plants or reversing previous phase-out plans.
In Spain, the conservative People’s Party (PP) has added to the pressure, tabling a motion approved by parliament urging the government to keep nuclear plants operational. Isabel Diaz Ayuso, the influential PP head of Madrid’s regional government, visited the Almaraz plant last month, stating that the measure was necessary to “protect jobs and energy sovereignty.” She warned that Spain is “not ready to replace nuclear energy.”
A study by PwC estimates that closing Spain’s nuclear reactors could increase electricity prices by 23 percent for domestic consumers and 35 percent for businesses.
Enric Bartlett, a professor of environmental law at Esade Law School, noted that abandoning nuclear power represents a “big change” because it replaces a “constant and predictable energy supply” with more volatile sources like solar and wind. However, he added that Spain could close its nuclear plants “without disruption” by 2035 if it invests sufficiently in alternative energy generation and develops the necessary transport and storage networks.
“There will have to be a significant increase in investment,” Bartlett said.
DAILY MENTOR reports that the debate over Spain’s nuclear phase-out highlights the challenges of balancing energy security, economic stability, and environmental goals. As the country navigates this complex issue, the outcome will have significant implications for its energy future and its position as a renewable energy leader in Europe.