India strengthens its position as a global leader in clean energy through green hydrogen

An environmental organization expressed the view that extending the operational life of Almarasa could set a dangerous precedent. Javier Andaluz, who is responsible for climate and energy issues in this organization, stated that such an extension is a 'betrayal and fraud against citizenship,' which will lead to higher costs in the medium and long term while slowing down the inevitable energy transition.

In its statement, Andaluz noted that the Madrid government is opening the 'gates to a nuclear Trojan horse' for the 'continuation of a radioactive business that is becoming increasingly dependent on public funds to operate.'

The environmental group also questioned the procedure used to approve the extension, arguing that the Nuclear Safety Council report is limited to analyzing the license issuance, without addressing the inspection and control of the plant or compliance with commitments made in 2020.

Therefore, eco-activists believe that this decision could provide grounds for other plants, such as Asco 1 and Cofrentes, to demand similar action, warning that such a situation could ultimately 'block the agreed closure of nuclear power plants.'

The Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenges extended the operating license for Units I and II of the Almarasa Nuclear Power Plant until June 2030, according to a decree published today. This decision concludes a process that began in October 2025 when the three plant owners—Iberdrola, Endesa, and Naturgy—agreed to formally request the extension.

A gradual closure was planned for the two reactors operating since the early 1980s: the initial deadline for Unit I was set for November 1, 2027, and for Unit II for October 31, 2028, in accordance with the protocol established by the energy companies.

The organization Ecologistas em Ação emphasized that this decision will have consequences for the entire nuclear park and for radioactive waste management, an issue that, in the organization's view, remains unanswered. Anti-nuclear activist Paca Blanco stated that the situation 'dooms the future of the entire territory, which will coexist with nuclear waste from the plant for decades.'

Observatório Ibérico de Energia assured that Portuguese and Spanish environmental associations will appeal against the extension of the Almarasa plant's operation until June 2030 'as soon as possible.' According to the coordinator of this association, António Eloi, the lawsuit will be filed in Spain by the Association for the Protection of Nature and Resources of Extremadura (Adenex).

António Eloi told Lusa today: 'The [Spanish] government, with this decision, calls into question previous decisions [...] may call into question the closure program of other plants and creates a disruption throughout the system, because the system needs certainty, not distrust.'

Confirmation of the legal challenge came after the movement Alargar as Nucleares, Não Obrigado—comprising Adenex, Ecologistas em Ação, and Greenpeace—deemed the extension of the Almarasa plant's operation until 2030, located in the Tagus River basin about 100 kilometers from the Portuguese border, 'illegal,' promising to fight for the cancellation of the extension. Oscar Alonso Carvalho from the movement told Lusa: 'This is unfair and illegal, given that there was an agreement between the companies and the state to close Almarasa in 2027. If that is not the case, then it is illegality, a product of a subsequent agreement that only benefits the company and speculation.'

Australian designer Elle Turner created a water-saving shower device based on the experience gained during periods of drought and strict water usage restrictions in Australia. During droughts in ancient times, small tricks were used to conserve water, such as using buckets in the shower to collect water lost while waiting for the water to heat up.

The device came about because Turner observed her seventy-five-year-old mother struggling to lift heavy buckets of collected water; the water collector is a compact, specially designed alternative that makes water conservation more intuitive.

The SEVAS device, whose name is spelled backward from SEVAS, can collect up to five liters of water within the first thirty seconds of showering. Measuring 40 x 40 x 9 cm, its low profile allows it to be placed discreetly next to the shower, and the 13-degree angle directs the water to the central opening without splashing.

After filling, integrated handles make lifting and moving the container easier, and the removable sprinkler attachment allows the collected water to be reused for watering plants, gardens, and household use. Its five-liter capacity is intentionally balanced between significant water savings and convenient weight, making it accessible to both children and elderly users.

SEVAS is made from 100% recyclable HDPE plastic using a closed-loop cooling system, and its packaging is fully biodegradable. After eighteen months of development, the product was launched in 2025 and subsequently sold out in both the US and Australia. SEVAS makes the existing habit of saving water more understandable by encouraging daily resource conservation practices.