more than that 80% of Spanish buildings fail in energy efficiency, that is, they have energy certificates with an E or F rating, as reflected in the most recent Population and Housing Census by the National Institute of Statistics (INE). This means that there is still a long way to go when it comes to it. decarbonize the housing stock, and one of the biggest tasks ahead of it is to definitively remove the remnants of the past such as central diesel and coal boilers.
Despite the fact that in the XXI century many people were surprised by its existence, the fact is that in Spain you can still count. More than 140 coal fired boilers and approximately 9,750 kerosene boilers. These devices are responsible for some of the harmful pollutant emissions in the air, especially in big cities.
In fact, a coal boiler produces 216 mg/KWh of PM10 particles (particles smaller than 10 microns in diameter), while a diesel boiler produces 18 mg/KWh. In contrast, a natural gas-fired boiler produces only 0.7 mg/KWh, a much lower amount. In the case of another of the most harmful pollutants such as sulfur oxides (SOx), coal produces 1,577 mg/kwh and diesel 340 mg/kwh, while natural gas does not emit such gases as it does not contain sulfur. composition.
Air quality in big cities
If the particles produced by road traffic are added to the above figures, as a result the quality of air in major Spanish cities leaves much to be desired. For example, in areas south of Madrid such as Getafe, Leganés, Fuenlabrada or Aranjuez The recommended daily limit of PM10 of 50 micrograms per cubic meter has been exceeded in recent weeks. Currently yes, annual limits have not been exceeded. And in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area, especially in neighborhoods such as the Eixample in the center of the capital, or in outskirts such as Granollers or Montcada i Reixac, the boundaries of these suspended particles are often crossed as well.
Therefore, any action to reduce pollutant emissions is a step forward, both in terms of environmental issues and health. In this sensethe permanent elimination of coal and diesel boilers will mean an improvement in the quality of the air we breathe, both directly (emissions) and indirectly, because mining coal and producing diesel requires high energy expenditure. In addition, current legislation prohibits the use of solid-source fossil fuels (such as coal) to power buildings’ thermal installations; Therefore, different administrations have been initiating renovation plans for some time to eliminate the most polluting boiler rooms.
renewal grants
Salamanca is the city with the most polluting coal and diesel boilers with a total of 1,109, followed by Leon (1,097) and Madrid (958). In the case of the Spanish capital, lCurrent public assistance opens the door to work on replacing old boilers with natural gas boilers to receive a subsidy of up to 80% of the total cost.. Boiler Houses Renovation Plan for civil works carried out until 31 December under the Madrid 360 plan.
This plan, which installation and maintenance companies can freely comply with, conversion of old boiler rooms using coal, kerosene or other polluting fuels, to new rooms with condensing boilers using natural gas as fuel. That is, they are more efficient and safer. The amount of incentives depends on the final power of the installed boilers, with a maximum cap of just over 14,000 Euros.
Similarly, the Community of Madrid has recently assistance program up to 350 euros for citizens who want to replace their old boilers with more modern and efficient onesto reduce energy consumption. In this case, it does not refer to central rooms, but to these individual devices. The measure aims to reach 15,000 households and could lead to a 20% reduction in gas consumption per household.
In other autonomous communities, relief schemes are also in place to improve the energy efficiency of homes trying to replace the most polluting boilers. Inside Principality of Asturias have a specific refurbishment plan for boilers, Galicia, Catalonia and the Basque Country It is included in energy rehabilitation programs for homes and buildings linked to European Next Generation funds.
Advantages of natural gas boiler
Replacing the boiler has great advantages, both economically and environmentally. Especially since recent years, natural gas boilers have undergone a series of technological advances that increase both safety and efficiency, while coal boilers continue with the same old system. Moreover, it is possible to switch from a centralized system to an individual system, where each neighbor independently uses heating and hot water.
In the first place, the change will be felt in your pocket, because although the cost of raw materials is similar, coal fired boilers require the hiring of a technician who goes daily to recharge the boiler, which increases the cost significantly. service and hence community fee. And considering the planet, natural gas pollutes 36% less than fossil fuels like coal. In addition, they are much more secure due to both their technology and the fact that they are reviewed every two years.
On the other hand, the innovation studies carried out by the manufacturers brought with it. Condensing boilers capable of reusing latent heat from water vapor, so its performance is 100% (or more) higher. Therefore, devices of this type have been produced in Europe only since 2015, and renovation plans encourage their purchase by citizens through the replacement of central chambers or old individual boilers.
Compared to conventional boilers and thanks to the condensation heat utilization technology, These boilers save around 30% in energy consumption. This translates directly into a reduction in the gas bill, so the investment in purchasing one of these boilers will pay off in a few months. They also reduce polluting emissions and are quieter in operation.
Therefore, the days of coal and diesel boilers are finally numbered. This is good news for the environment and the quality of life of citizens. Thanks to the elimination of coal-fired boilers and halving gas oil boilers by 2027, a goal set by the Madrid 360 plan, Polytechnic University of Madrid, Nitrogen oxides will be reduced by 90 tons per year in the Spanish capital. An important change that represents a step forward in structuring more sustainable and healthy cities.