Spain to shut down nuclear power plants by 2035

(Patria) - The Spanish government has presented new energy measures, confirming its plan to close nuclear power plants by 2035.

The shutdown of nuclear power plants will begin in 2027, and the disposal of radioactive waste and dismantling will cost around 20.2 billion euros.

The government announced that these costs will be covered by a fund supported by the power plant operators.

Nuclear power plants meet about twenty 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 reverse their decision, reports Hina.

Among other measures, the government yesterday also presented changes to regulations governing the development of new green energy projects and auctions in the renewable energy sector.

Madrid has extended key administrative deadlines for new projects. Companies now have 49 months to obtain a building permit.

Auctions in the renewable energy segment may in the future include qualitative criteria that would take into account social and environmental standards in order to "recognize the added value of European products", according to a statement from the Ministry of Energy.