The Spanish government has introduced new energy measures, confirming that it plans to close nuclear power plants by 2035.
The shutdown of nuclear plants will begin in 2027, and the management of radioactive waste and decommissioning will cost around 20.2 billion euros, the government reported, adding that the costs will be covered by a fund supported by power plant operators.
Nuclear plants account for about 20 percent of Spain’s total electricity needs, and their shutdown was a hot topic in the recent election campaign. The ruling socialists decided to shut them down, while the opposition conservatives planned to overturn their decision.
Among other measures, the government has introduced amendments to regulations governing the development of new green energy projects and auctions in the field of renewable energy sources.
Madrid has extended key administrative deadlines for new projects. Companies now have 49 months to obtain a construction permit.
Future auctions in the renewable energy segment may include qualitative criteria that take into account social and environmental standards to recognize the added value of European products, according to a statement from the Ministry of Energy.
