Commission urged to boost involvement in the enactment of the directive.
In the Spanish news landscape on August 4, 2025, discussions about energy strategies and nuclear power plants took centre stage. One of the key topics was the stance of the People's Party (PP) regarding nuclear power plants, which they defended as essential for maintaining the system's stability.
However, the Spanish government has denied the request by Iberdrola and Endesa to extend the operational life of their nuclear reactors beyond 2035. This decision was made due to the companies' failure to meet the government's set conditions. This move indicates that while nuclear plant life extension is being considered, it is contingent on strict compliance with regulatory and safety requirements.
The denial specifically applies to Iberdrola and Endesa’s reactors, meaning Spain is currently not approving nuclear plant operations past the previously planned shutdown dates around 2035 without meeting governmental conditions. This stance contrasts with some other countries like France and Belgium, where regulatory authorities have approved life extensions for their reactors beyond 40 years, often up to 50 or more, following comprehensive safety reviews.
The conditions imposed by the Spanish government are not explicitly detailed in the search results, but given international norms, they likely include rigorous safety inspections, technical upgrades, and compliance with nuclear regulatory standards. Notably, Spain’s Vandellós I nuclear power plant remains dormant, indicating a cautious or conservative approach toward nuclear plant operations and life extension in the country.
Meanwhile, a vegetation fire near Palamós (Girona) has forced the confinement of two campsites. Elsewhere, a man has died after being shot in Torrevieja (Alicante), and three men have been arrested. The forest fire in Cádiar (Granada) has been stabilized.
In other energy-related news, the PP has been in contact with all energy companies to understand their strategy. PP leader Bravo expressed hope that a time will come when there is no need for nuclear power, but it doesn't seem to be the case currently. Bravo believes it would be serious if the Government commits to closing only nuclear power plants in separatist territories. He insists that nuclear power plants are necessary within the energy mix, citing a past blackout in the country as an example.
References:
- Nuclear Energy Institute
- World Nuclear Association
- EFE Spain
- Reuters
- El Pais
- In the world of politics and policy-and-legislation, the Spanish People's Party (PP) is advocating for the importance of nuclear power in the energy industry, suggesting a need for it in the country's energy mix.
- Despite the PP's stance, the Spanish government has denied the extension of nuclear reactor operations beyond 2035 for Iberdrola and Endesa, setting stringent conditions for any future nuclear plant life extension.
- Amidst the ongoing discussions about nuclear power and energy strategies in Spain, other sectors such as sports, finance, and general news continue to evolve, with incidents like wildfires and shootings reported in various regions of the country.
