# Almaraz, closure or extension

Source URL: https://polimeme.com/discussion/thread_d512705416c655c2
First seen: 2026-08-15 23:59 UTC · Latest activity: 2026-08-19 04:01 UTC
8 core pieces, 1 related pieces

## Summary

Pedro Sánchez’s government faces pressure to keep Almaraz running for supply security and lower prices, while critics say any extension breaks the phase-out pact and rewards the utility lobby. Supporters treat the plant as a useful bridge for grid stability and emissions; opponents point to safety doubts, opacity, and the political cost of changing the timetable.

## Core contention

Should Spain extend Almaraz beyond the planned closure date or keep the phase-out schedule intact despite price and grid concerns?

## Argument map

1. Extend Almaraz to avoid price spikes and supply gaps while renewables scale up; supporters say a working reactor still helps emissions and grid stability. — Manuel García Castellón (El Independiente), EL PAÍS (El País)
2. Close Almaraz on schedule because incident history, weak transparency, and utility pressure make any extension hard to defend. — Joan Coscubiela (eldiario.es), Juan Serna Martín (infoLibre), Antonio Turiel /, Juan Bordera /, Fernando Valladares (CTXT), Juantxo López de Uralde (Público)
3. Treat the Spanish choice as a nuclear precedent for Italy and other EU countries that want pragmatism over fixed phase-out calendars. — El Español, Redazione (Il Foglio)

## Fault line

The split is between calendar discipline and a flexible extension justified by prices, supply security, and emissions.

## New element

The issue now reaches beyond Spain because Italian commentary uses Almaraz as a pro-nuclear example.

## European relevance

Spain’s decision feeds EU disputes over phase-out dates, market prices, and the role of nuclear power in the transition.

## Distinct theses in this debate

- the plant’s incident history and alleged regulatory/corporate cover-up make any further extension unjustifiable
- The author argues that keeping Almaraz open is unnecessary and politically motivated, and that Spain should close it rather than prolong nuclear dependence.
- Flexibilizing the closure timetable is justified by the need to prevent sudden price spikes.
- A functioning nuclear plant with favorable safety review should not be closed on calendar symbolism when it helps supply security, prices, and emissions more than the alternatives.
- Pro-nuclear pragmatism beats symbolic anti-nuclear posturing; Italy should follow the Spanish example and actually act.
- Nuclear power is a necessary complement to renewables, and pragmatism should override anti-nuclear ideology when supply security is at stake.
- The Almaraz extension is unjustified, reveals pressure from powerful actors, and requires honest explanation because it undermines renewables policy and public trust.

## Pieces

- 2026-08-14 20:04 UTC — [¿Hasta cuándo vas a abusar, Pedro Sánchez, de nuestra paciencia?](https://www.eldiario.es/opinion/zona-critica/vas-abusar-pedro-sanchez-paciencia_129_13448560.html) — Joan Coscubiela (eldiario.es) [es]
- 2026-08-15 00:20 UTC — [La razón se impone en Almaraz: Sumar ya no existe para impedirlo](https://www.elespanol.com/opinion/editoriales/20260815/razon-impone-almaraz-sumar-no-existe-impedirlo/1003744353676_14.html) — El Español [es]
- 2026-08-16 22:01 UTC — [La fecha en rojo](https://www.elindependiente.com/opinion/2026/08/17/la-fecha-en-rojo-almaraz) — Manuel García Castellón (El Independiente) [es]
- 2026-08-19 04:01 UTC — [Almaraz, una historia tenebrosa](https://www.infolibre.es/opinion/plaza-publica/almaraz-historia-tenebrosa_129_2235238.html) — Juan Serna Martín (infoLibre) [es]
- 2026-08-18 12:06 UTC — [La nuclear en el día del eclipse](http://ctxt.es/es/20260801/Firmas/54841/energia-nuclear-central-de-almaraz-prorroga-12-de-agosto-extraccion-de-uranio-petroleo.htm) — Antonio Turiel /, Juan Bordera /, Fernando Valladares (CTXT) [es]
- 2026-08-17 03:30 UTC — [Pausa obligada en el apagón nuclear](https://elpais.com/opinion/2026-08-17/pausa-obligada-en-el-apagon-nuclear.html) — EL PAÍS (El País) [es]
- 2026-08-15 04:00 UTC — [Il buon esempio di Sánchez sul nucleare](https://www.ilfoglio.it/esteri/2026/08/15/news/il-buon-esempio-di-sanchez-sul-nucleare--404887) — Redazione (Il Foglio) [it]
- undated — [Almaraz: el Gobierno blinda el negocio nuclear del oligopolio eléctrico](https://www.publico.es/opinion/almaraz-gobierno-blinda-negocio-nuclear-oligopolio-electrico.html) — Juantxo López de Uralde (Público) [es]

### Related

- 2026-08-19 00:41 UTC — [Almaraz sigue hasta 2030 y ... : ¡A tragar ministros de Sumar!](https://www.elespanol.com/invertia/opinion/20260819/almaraz-sigue-tragar-ministros-sumar/1003744356665_13.html) — José Ramón Pin Arboledas (El Español) [es]