Spain has officially unveiled plans to shut down all of its nuclear plants by 2035 in a move towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. The announcement, made on Wednesday, outlined a comprehensive set of energy measures, including adjustments to renewable project timelines and modifications to renewable auctions.
The closure process for the nuclear plants, responsible for generating approximately 20% of Spain’s electricity, is set to commence in 2027. The cost of managing radioactive waste and dismantling the plants is estimated at a substantial 20.2 billion euros ($22.4 billion). Notably, the financial burden will be borne by a fund supported by the operators of the nuclear plants, according to statements from the government.
The decision to phase out nuclear power was a contentious topic during the recent electoral campaign, with the conservative People’s Party (PP) opposing the planned closure. The PP had pledged to reverse the phase-out, emphasizing the role of nuclear energy in the country’s power generation. Additionally, key business lobbies had advocated for the extension of the use of nuclear plants.
Addressing concerns about the economic impact and potential energy gaps, the Spanish government also introduced modifications to rules governing the development of new green energy projects. Essential administrative deadlines for these projects have been extended, with the deadline to obtain a building permit increased by six months to a total of 49 months.
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Furthermore, the government has implemented changes to renewable auctions, allowing for the inclusion of qualitative criteria. This adjustment aims to consider social and environmental standards, recognizing the added value of European products in the renewable energy sector. The Energy Ministry highlighted these changes in a statement, emphasizing the importance of aligning energy policies with broader environmental and societal goals.
Source: Foro Nuclear
While Spain’s decision to close nuclear plants reflects a commitment to “cleaner” energy sources, the move is not without its challenges. Striking a balance between environmental responsibility, economic considerations, and energy security will be critical as the country navigates this ambitious energy transition.
This comes after the report came out that Spain is poised to decommission about a third, or 36%, of its wind turbines in the next five years, according to the Wind Energy Association (AEE). These are the portion of its turbines that were installed before 2005, and electricity-generating wind turbines typically have a lifespan of 20-25 years.
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