Madrid: Spain's nuclear safety regulator on Thursday backed extending the operating life of the country's largest atomic power plant to 2030, beyond the government's planned 2028 shutdown.
The Almaraz plant, which contributes around seven percent of Spain's electricity production, is slated to close as part of the 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.
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.
