Why should Spain extend the lifespan of its nuclear power plants?

However, the energy context has changed significantly since then. Electricity demand is growing due to the electrification of industry, transport and households. Renewables and storage are advancing more slowly than expected. And electricity prices have seen historic peaks, such as during the 2022 energy crisis, when gas sent costs soaring across Europe.

A report recently prepared by Monitor Deloitte analyses this scenario and concludes that extending the useful life of nuclear plants is not just a technical issue: it is a strategic decision that affects economic competitiveness, security of supply and climate objectives. Let's look at its main conclusions.

Extending nuclear life can lower electricity prices and provide stability

Today, nuclear energy contributes 20% of the electricity consumed in Spain, with stable, non-seasonal electricity generation: 7,700 equivalent full-load operating hours per year.

Maintaining the plants beyond 2035 would have a direct impact on the price of electricity. According to data collected by Monitor Deloitte, the cost in the wholesale market would be €14-15/MWh lower compared to the shutdown scenario. For industry, this means €1,400 million less per year in electricity costs.

Furthermore, nuclear acts as a buffer against volatility. During the 2022 energy crisis – caused by the escalation of gas prices following the war in Ukraine – the continued operation of the nuclear fleet avoided additional costs of €5,000 million, equivalent to 0.4% of Spanish GDP.

For energy-intensive companies, this stability is vital. In sectors such as metallurgy, energy can represent more than 35% of operating profit.

Impact on competitiveness and industrial employment

Extending the life of nuclear plants is a lifeline for Spanish industry. Food, metallurgy, chemicals, paper and ceramics account for the highest electricity consumption. The savings estimated by the Deloitte analysis amount to between 6% and 24% of net profit in these sectors.

In terms of employment, there are 2.3 million people working in industry in Spain. The continuity of nuclear plants generates wealth in the territories where the plants are located, thanks to highly qualified jobs and the boosting of the local economy through services, ancillary industry and technical training.

The regions with the greatest industrial weight – Catalonia, the Basque Country, the Valencian Community and Andalusia – would benefit most from the extension of the useful life of nuclear power plants.

An ally for reducing emissions and meeting climate goals

Nuclear energy is a technology free of greenhouse gas emissions. Keeping it in the energy mix would avoid the emission of 14 million tonnes of CO₂ per year in 2035, which is equivalent to halving the current emissions of the electricity system.

This figure is key to meeting climate targets and advancing the decarbonisation of the economy. Furthermore, the presence of nuclear energy in the mix contributes to Spain having an emission factor three times lower than that of countries like Germany, which have phased out this technology.

For emerging sectors such as green hydrogen, having low-carbon electricity is essential to meet certification requirements and compete in international markets.

Is it safe to extend the lifespan of the plants?

Yes, provided that strict international standards are met and the periodic reviews required by regulations are carried out. Spain has solid experience in the safe operation of its reactors, supervised by the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN).

Regarding waste, the General Radioactive Waste Plan establishes how these operations are managed and financed, through the public company ENRESA. Extending the useful life does not imply increasing risk, but rather optimising existing assets while progress is made on definitive storage solutions.

Does it delay the energy transition?

No. Nuclear is the bridge we need while storage is deployed and renewable capacity is increased. Without firm generation, the system would have to resort to fossil fuel technologies during times of low renewable generation, which would make electricity more expensive and increase emissions.

Nuclear acts as a complement, not a brake. It buys time for batteries and pumped storage to reach technological maturity and competitive costs.

A strategic decision for Spain's energy future

The conclusion of the Deloitte report is clear: extending the life of nuclear power plants in Spain is not a renunciation of the energy transition. It is a strategic commitment to guarantee three things:

• Lower and more stable prices.
• Industrial competitiveness.
• Security of supply.

Compared to the shutdown scenario, this measure provides savings, stability and time for renewables and storage to reach maturity.