El Gobierno analizará la propuesta nuclear de las eléctricas después de que pidan la renovación de Almaraz | Empresas | Cinco Días

Key Players and their Positions

The article centers on the Spanish government's upcoming analysis of a proposal from major electric companies (Iberdrola, Endesa, and Naturgy) concerning the extension of the Almaraz nuclear power plant's operation. The government, under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has previously expressed an anti-nuclear stance. The companies, however, are seeking an extension and tax breaks.

The Proposal

The companies' proposal includes requests for:

• Publicly asking the companies to request an extension (which the government refuses).
• Repealing the tax on spent nuclear fuel and a 30% reduction in the Enresa fee.
• A 7% reduction on generation tax.
• Government approval of these changes before the extension request.

The government rejects making these concessions before a formal request for the extension.

Disagreements and Challenges

Disagreements exist among the companies themselves, particularly regarding the extension duration (Iberdrola seeks 3 years, while Endesa prefers 10 years) and their financial priorities. The government faces opposition from within its coalition concerning nuclear power extension.

Government's Stance

The government maintains its position of no pre-conditions, including fiscal or regulatory adjustments, and will only negotiate after a formal extension request is filed. The government also suggests that the recent power outage is unrelated to the nation's energy mix.

Financial Implications

Extremadura's substantial annual revenue from ecotourism associated with Almaraz is also at stake should the plant close. Furthermore, the government's refusal is partly influenced by potential revenue implications and existing tax legislation.