The permanent closure of the Almaraz power station in central Spain would have a “very significant and direct negative impact” on the economy and employment in the region as well as resulting in higher electricity bills for households and businesses, industry group Foro Nuclear has warned.

Madrid-based Foro Nuclear said the planned closure would “negatively affect the entire energy sector in Spain”, reducing supply and worsening grid stability.

It called for a dialogue with the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge to “jointly analyse the situation”.

The group made the comments following demonstrations against the closure at the weekend.

Foro Nuclear said it is “aware of and fully understands the existing concern about the negative impact that the closure of the Almaraz nuclear power station would have”.