The Government rules out any negotiations to extend the nuclear power plants

Cádiz, August 6 (EFE). The Minister for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Sara Aagesen, stated this Wednesday that "nothing has changed" in the planning for the closure of nuclear power plants in Spain, and ruled out any negotiations underway to extend their useful life.

Speaking to reporters after visiting construction sites at Camposoto Beach (Cádiz), Aagesen explained that the companies that own the plants decided years ago that it would not be profitable to extend their operations beyond the planned dates.

"They were the ones who saw that it wasn't profitable to continue extending the useful life of nuclear power plants, and that's why this is the current situation," he stressed.

Aagesen noted that the closure schedule was defined by the companies themselves in 2019 and that the government maintains its roadmap for the energy transition.

The minister insisted that keeping these facilities operational would entail financial conditions that the government is unwilling to accept.

"If nuclear power plants are to continue, they need tax cuts and not to cover 100% of the costs of waste management," he warned, emphasizing that the government "will never allow us, the consumers, the SMEs and businesses, and their ecosystems, to have to pay for the increased lifespan of nuclear power plants."

Boosting renewables

Aagesen reiterated that the Executive's policy remains focused on promoting the development of renewable energy and fulfilling the decarbonization commitments set by the European Union.

He stated that nuclear planning has not changed and that the situation "is exactly the same as it was months ago," despite the fact that in recent days some members of the government have alluded to the possibility of considering an extension.

There's no place for nuclear power in the just and renewable energy transition. By Mar Asunción (WWF Spain)

The Minister of Ecological Transition emphasized that radioactive waste management is one of the main challenges associated with nuclear energy and that extending the life of nuclear power plants cannot be at the expense of households and small businesses.

He has argued that the transition to a clean energy system is "irreversible" and that long-term security and sustainability require respecting the agreed-upon closure schedule.