Sawt Falasteen - Regulator backs extension of Spain's largest nuclear plant

The Almaraz plant, which contributes around seven percent of Spain's electricity production, is slated to close as part of the leftist government's plan to shut all nuclear reactors by 2035.

But the three Spanish firms that own the site -- Iberdrola, Endesa and Naturgy -- asked the government last year to allow Almaraz to remain in service for another two years.

They requested the opinion of the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN), which said the plant located in western Spain was operating properly and safety standards remained adequate to allow continued operation.

The safety regulator's report has been sent to the environment ministry, which is expected to make a final decision before the end of October. The government is not obliged to follow the regulator's recommendation.

Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government has previously said any extension would depend on the plant meeting all required safety standards and not imposing additional costs on taxpayers.

Spain once had eight nuclear power plants, which supplied around 38 percent of the country's electricity during the 1980s. It now has five plants with seven reactors, providing about 19 percent of its electricity, according to official data.

The government aims to increase the share of electricity generated by renewables like wind and solar power as it phases out nuclear.

But last year's nationwide blackout and recent fuel supply disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East have rekindled debate over the phase-out, mirroring a wider reassessment of nuclear power across Europe.

E.Qaddoumi--SF-PST