Mazón advocates keeping Cofrentes to achieve energy sovereignty by 2035

Carlos Mazón emphasized the vital role of the Cofrentes nuclear power plant in securing energy sovereignty for the Valencian Community by 2035. During the presentation of the Regional Energy Strategy, Mazón warned that shutting down the plant would delay energy independence by 25 years.

He highlighted the Community’s pragmatic energy policy that balances renewable sources with conventional ones like nuclear power. Mazón called on the national government to treat Cofrentes as favorably as the Almaraz plant, whose extension is already under consideration.

Currently, the Valencian Community imports 43% of its energy. Mazón noted that if Cofrentes closes, energy dependence would rise to 73%, threatening the operation of 12,000 industrial companies that provide over 180,000 direct jobs.

The strategy includes regulatory reforms to speed up approvals for new energy installations. Associations and professional bodies will be able to register as collaborators to help cut authorization time by a year. Additionally, authorization for new plants, power grids, and substations will be limited to six months.

Mazón praised progress made under the administrative simplification decree, which enabled the approval of 74 projects totaling 1,500 megawatts in less than a year. He criticized the previous Botànic government for meeting only 8% of the EU’s energy targets between 2018 and 2023.

The plan prioritizes solar, wind, green hydrogen, biogas, biomass, storage, electric vehicles, cogeneration, and grid improvements. It also focuses on energy efficiency, CO₂ capture, and maintaining nuclear energy.

Mazón pointed out the Community’s favorable conditions to lead the energy transition, with leading companies and €10 billion in committed investments. He called for clean, affordable, and reliable energy to attract more investment and improve public services.

Finally, he urged the central government to provide legal certainty, streamline regulations, and remove political obstacles hindering the energy transition.