How the closure of nuclear power plants in Spain would affect the price of electricity

The debate about the nuclear energies It is always present in Spain. In recent months, and especially after the blackout, it has been put back on the table whether it is an energy that should continue to exist in our country. There are those who defend its continuity as a stable and emissions-free source, while others call for its definitive closure to opt for renewable energies.

In Spain, five plants are still in operation, housing a total of seven reactors: Almaraz I and II, Ascó I and II, Cofrentes, Trillo and Vandellós II. Last year, this type of energy was the second source of electricity generation in the territory with 20% of the total. Behind it were wind (23%), solar photovoltaic (17%), hydraulic (13%) and combined gas (13%).

The current calendar establishes that the closure of nuclear plants in our country will begin in 2027 with Almaraz I. The problem is that there are reports that warn of what could happen when these plants close their doors.

What will happen to the price of electricity if nuclear plants are closed

A report made by the consulting firm PwC explains that “nuclear power plants provide a constant, competitive and emission-free generation basewhich reduces costs for the electrical system, allowing a lower price for consumers.”

It states that in a scenario without nuclear, “combined cycles would have to cover practically all the loss of generation, which would mean an increase in the wholesale price of electricity of about €37/MWh, increasing the electricity bill by 23% for the domestic sector and small and medium-sized businesses and by 35% for the industry.” Furthermore, he points out that “nuclear energy represents savings for the average consumer on the electricity bill.” almost 8,000 million euros a year“.

Another problem highlighted in this report is that “the supply of electricity would be compromised in situations of high demand and low renewable productionas has already happened in the past.

Furthermore, the report says that, even if the objectives of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) are met, “the nuclear closure will mean an increase in the price of electricity in the future of €13/MWhin addition to multiplying CO2 emissions and natural gas consumption by 6, putting at risk the fulfillment of climate objectives and reducing the country’s energy sovereignty.”