“I don’t think the president will close Santa Maria de Garona because you would unjustifiably shut down an industry that makes energy for 36 euros ($51) a megawatt-hour,” said Manuel Lozano Leyva, nuclear adviser to Spain’s research and development plan.
Nuclear safety regulators have studied a request from Iberdrola SA and Endesa SA, which own the facility on the Ebro River in northern Spain, for a license extension, and are due to make a recommendation to the government by the end of this week.
The regulators’ report will be delivered to the Industry Ministry on June 5. A team of technical advisers will examine the document and respond to the minister, who will recommend a course of action to the Cabinet.
