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Spain Extends Almaraz Nuclear Plant Life to 2030 Due to High Gas Price

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The Spanish government has extended the operating life of the Almaraz nuclear plant until June 2030, it said on Friday, citing volatility in global natural gas prices related to conflict in the Middle East.

Almaraz operator Centrales Nucleares Almaraz-Trillo, received authorization to keep both units running through June 8, 2030, instead of decommissioning them in 2027 and 2028, the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge said.

The order noted that the extension given to the plant does not alter Spain's broader plan to phase out its nuclear fleet by 2035.

The government estimates the extension could reduce natural gas-fired generation by 7% in 2030, while limiting the deployment of renewable energy sources by just 1.4%, relative to the country's current climate action plan.

Spain's Nuclear Safety Council issued a favorable assessment of the extension in July, while highlighting some conditions that were still to be met.

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Commodities

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