Ignacio Galán, chairman of the Spanish energy conglomerate Iberdrola, announced that the company will apply for life extension of all nuclear reactors in Spain. The statement was made during an analyst conference following the release of 2025 financial results. Galán argues that nuclear power plants are necessary, safe, stable, and contribute to lower energy prices. In October, the owners of the Almaraz plant—Iberdrola, Endesa, and Naturgy—already submitted an application to extend its operation until 2030. This declaration contradicts the government's plan to shut down all nuclear power plants in the country by 2035.

Announcement of Nuclear Fleet Extension

Iberdrola's chairman, Ignacio Galán, announced that the conglomerate will apply for an extension of the operational period for all nuclear power plants in Spain. The application concerns not only the already submitted Almaraz plant but all remaining power plants. Galán believes that most of them can operate for up to 60, and in some cases, 80 years.

Arguments in Favor of Nuclear Power

During the conference, Galán emphasized that nuclear power plants are safe, stable, and efficient, and their operation helps lower energy prices for consumers. As an example, he cited the situation in Italy, where the lack of nuclear power plants is said to result in higher electricity bills. He simultaneously acknowledged that the sector in Spain is burdened with high taxes.

Conflict with Government Plans

The conglomerate's declarations stand in opposition to the official policy of the Spanish government, which intends to shut down all nuclear reactors by 2035. The process is set to begin with the Almaraz plant, whose closure is planned for 2027. The owners of Almaraz have already submitted an application to extend its operation until 2030, which is currently being reviewed by the Nuclear Safety Council.

Background of the Decision and Industry Context

Galán's statement fits into the broader debate about the future of nuclear power in Spain, which has been revived after a serious grid failure and blackout in April. The owners of nuclear power plants in the country are three major energy conglomerates: Iberdrola, Endesa, and Naturgy. They are responsible for managing and operating the facilities.

Spanish energy giant Iberdrola intends to apply for an extension of the operational period for the entire national nuclear power plant fleet. The decision was announced by the company's chairman, Ignacio Galán, during a conference with analysts after the publication of 2025 financial results. Galán announced that following the application concerning the Almaraz plant, the company will submit similar applications for the remaining power plants. „Nuclear power plants are necessary, are safe, are efficient and contribute to lower prices.” — Ignacio Galán The Spanish chairman also emphasized that most reactors can safely operate for 60, and some even 80 years. He argued that they constitute a stable and safe energy source that positively impacts price levels. As a negative example, he pointed to Italy, where according to him, the lack of nuclear power leads to higher bills for consumers.

Nuclear power in Spain has a turbulent history. After a period of intensive development in the 1970s and 1980s, the construction of new power plants practically came to a halt. The policy of successive governments gradually moved towards phasing out nuclear power, which was formalized in a plan to close all plants by 2035. This decision resulted from a mix of social, environmental, and economic factors, including a strong anti-nuclear movement after the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. Iberdrola's declaration directly clashes with this plan. First in line for closure is the Almaraz power plant in the province of Cáceres, whose shutdown is scheduled for 2027. However, in October, its three owners—Iberdrola, Endesa, and Naturgy—submitted a formal application to the government to extend the operation of its two reactors by about three years, until 2030. This application is currently being analyzed by the Nuclear Safety Council. If accepted, it could set a precedent for the remaining plants. Galán stated that the process of reviewing applications has already begun and will continue.

The debate about the future of Spanish nuclear power has regained strength following a serious power grid failure in April that led to a widespread blackout. This incident prompted some politicians and experts to reconsider the role of stable, dispatchable energy sources, such as nuclear, in the energy mix. Energy conglomerates, including Iberdrola, argue that in the context of striving for climate neutrality and growing electricity demand, abandoning low-emission nuclear power plants is a mistake. They also point to the high tax burden on this sector in Spain. The final decision will belong to the government, which must balance the nuclear phase-out plans with arguments about supply security, costs for consumers, and climate goals.

Mentioned People

  • Ignacio Galán — Chairman of the Spanish energy conglomerate Iberdrola, who announced plans to extend nuclear power plants.