Iberdrola's chief expects the company to ask for a similar extension of the life of all nuclear reactors in Spain, following a request made previously for the Almaraz plant.

The debate about nuclear power in Spain was re-ignited by a major blackout that occurred in April. Spain plans to close all its reactors in 2035.

Ignacio Galan, Executive Chairman, told analysts that nuclear power plants were a necessity, safe, efficient, and contributed to lower prices.

He said that he would ask for more extensions in the future.

Iberdrola?Endesa & Naturgy, the owners of Almaraz, have requested to extend "the lifespan" of their Almaraz nuclear power plant by approximately three years.

According to the current?plan, phase-out would begin in 2027 when the plant's first reactor in western Spain is shut down. The?second nuclear reactor of the plant is scheduled to close in 2027. (Reporting and editing by Louise Heavens, Pietro Lombardi)

(source: Reuters)