In a significant political development, the Spanish parliamentary landscape is poised for a potentially critical vote regarding the future of nuclear energy in the country.

Junts, the Catalan political group, is reportedly inclined to facilitate the approval of a proposal led by the Popular Party (PP) to repeal the government-mandated closure schedule for nuclear power plants, a key element of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) energy policy.

This proposal, which has gained the status of a formal legislative initiative, was officially registered on Thursday by PP parliamentary spokesperson Miguel Tellado.

Junts is expected to abstain from voting on this initiative, a decision influenced by considerable pressure from industrial and business sectors in Catalonia, who argue for the necessity of extending the operational lifespan of these plants.

The proposal aims to issue a new law to ensure the contribution of nuclear energy to the decarbonization of Spain's energy system, moving beyond mere political posturing to a regulatory framework intended for formal publication in the Official State Gazette.

The proposed legislation seeks approval within a month, primarily targeting the preservation of the Almaraz nuclear power plant in Extremadura, which is slated for closure under the current schedule starting in 2027. The plant is approaching a critical operational phase.

PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, deeply involved in this legislative effort, seeks to override earlier policies enforced by former Minister Teresa Ribera regarding the closure of Almaraz, as well as similar regulations affecting the Asc nuclear plant.

The PP argues that without a reversal of these closures, the energy security of Spain will be at risk, particularly given the current reliance on gas imports.

Industry representatives from the Catalan employers' federation Foment and a wide array of businesses have voiced their support for extending the operational timelines of these plants, citing insufficient renewable energy integration in the region’s energy mix.

This economic position has resonated with Junts, whose leader Carles Puigdemont has emphasized the importance of not allowing the proposal to falter.

The Junts permanent committee is set to meet to discuss the initiative, though the legislative process may still take weeks before a vote occurs in Congress.

Until then, Third Vice President Sara Aagesen may attempt to block the initiative, but any objections would need to rely on claims of constitutional concerns or excessive financial costs, which some, including Requena, suggest is difficult to substantiate.

Feijóo argues for the potential extension of at least ten more years to the operational life of nuclear plants scheduled for closure, including Cofrentes.

Should the proposal gain traction, these plants would be protected, provided the electric companies receive approval from the Nuclear Safety Council.

Other countries, such as the United States, have granted operational licenses for up to 80 years.

For this initiative to advance, Junts' abstention is crucial, and the party is not alone in facing significant pressure from industrial and labor organizations.

Esquerra has also previously abstained from the initial non-binding proposal put forth by the PP.

This parliamentary maneuvering occurs against a backdrop of a broader European shift towards extending nuclear energy operations, driven by concerns over dependence on Russian gas and the requirements of energy security.

Two high-ranking European officials from the current government have already adapted to these changing dynamics.

Ribera, who now serves as a European Commissioner, has approved a substantial financial boost from the Belgian government aimed at extending the operational lives of its nuclear facilities.

Additionally, Nadia Calviño, president of the European Investment Bank, has authorized a significant loan for a French nuclear energy enhancement project, marking a shift in investment priorities in the nuclear sector.