The ambiguous result of the polls in 23-J threatens to blockade the country if no candidate manages to garner the necessary support to secure appointment to office, and these days political groups are in full swing. next legislature. However, the formation of a government has repercussions that go beyond whether the president is a socialist or not. Pedro Sanchez or popular Alberto Núñez Feijoo.
One of these energy strategy In matters affecting Galicia completely, such as the continuation of activities in Galicia, Spain will follow suit. center As Pontes 8 (A Coruña), after putting two of its four production units into operation at approximately 350 LOWERs each, the other two, Moncloa, which closed in June 2022 but whose chimney was still smoking with the outbreak of war in Ukraine at the end of last year, were allowed to close on September 19.
With gas prices skyrocketing after the Russian invasion, coal once again became competitive in electricity generation, and Red Eléctrica has ordered the re-commissioning of Endesa’s thermal power plant, where the company has supplemented its workforce of around 60 people and contracts for ancillary facilities have been signed. Extended to June 2023, this horizon was later extended to September. Now, just days before that date is reached, the political situation remains a mystery as to whether the plant will end its life there or whether it will be extended again to ensure supply before winter arrives.
As confirmed by Endesa Galicia, UGT FICHA organizational secretary, as of today, Marcos Prietothermal “started the second batch to consume just over a hundred thousand tons of coal with the thought of finishing it between September and October” followed by “Destroyed the plant, whatever the government says”, and then start with safety – i.e. oils, fuels, chemicals, etc. pull back – wait for them to shut us down or make the necessary reforms if we need to continue”.
Considering that Endesa has already shown its intention to shut down the plant, Prieto analyzes, “I understand that what the company has conveyed to the Manager is that some form of financial compensation is necessary because there is a cost to maintain a facility of this size.” . Of the 200,000 tons that the plant restarted at the end of July, and “unchanged”, there are a little over a hundred thousand, “one or a month or a little bit, depending on the load.” the unionist who assures us that we are “working at almost full capacity” most days. “It’s interesting that we’re running at almost full load when it comes to an installation that’s not theoretically necessary,” he says.
“The political vacuum is making a hole,” complains Prieto, who promotes the establishment of a new Manager who sets an energy strategy for the country and tells him what he wants to do with the As Pontes plant. “Based on that, we’ll see if the setup is necessary, one group, two, or none at all,” he decides. In the meantime, he points out that the company continues with its roadmap of “trying to get rid of the installation as soon as possible”.
Guaranteed supply?
With war conflict in Ukraine it’s still active and fuel prices are rising (it already costs more than a hundred euros to fill the tank), in terms of energy, the next winter scenario is not free from uncertainties. System operator Red Eléctrica is ensuring supply is secured, but the head of UGT FICA Endesa Galicia prefers to be cautious, reminding that the plant’s closure will imply that the megawatts it has stopped producing will need to be replaced with renewable sources. .
He explains that it was coal and gas that closed the thermal gap by 2018, charging capacity payments as it was available for supply guarantee. “I believe there are wind farms by June 2025 that have to replace the generating capacity of the plant, with precautionary measures currently being approved, some of which have been canceled in court, which means stopping the projects. Faced with this scenario, Prieto favors keeping the plant operational “as long as necessary” until it has adequate warranty.