HE coalthe most polluting fossil fuel This energy, whose elimination is the priority of climate policies, has virtually disappeared in Spain and has a marginal position in energy production. The last coal-fired thermal power plant established definitely disconnected It is As Pontes, located in A Coruña and owned by Endesa. Just a few days ago the company confirmed that it had disconnected the plant from the power grid. It has been in operation since 1976.
This is a very symbolic gesture towards the decarbonization of the country, since this facility ranks first in the list of power plants that emit the most CO2 into the atmosphere. Ranked first in Spain, 17th in all of EuropeAccording to a report by the European Commission made public in 2019. Therefore, its definitive closure means a significant relief that will undoubtedly be reflected in the annual emission rates into the atmosphere.
Endesa company announced in November 2023 that it would end electricity production by burning the last coal reserves in the facility. Months ago, the Government gave the green light to the closure. With the closure, the facilities will be dismantled and The area they cover will be allocated to renewable energy productionIn accordance with the government’s plans.
Marginal energy source in Spain
Currently, only 2 GW of coal remains connected to the Spanish power grid, meaning this polluting technology is located all over the world. Ranks tenth in Spain’s rankings according to installed capacity, As reported by El Periódico de la Energía. So, it’s well below the position it had just a few years ago. And in less than 4 years, Spain has shut down more than 7,500 MW of coal from its electricity system.
Following the disconnection of As Pontes, only EDP operates with coal on the Iberian Peninsula, but Endesa still has a 260 MW es Murterar plant on the island of Mallorca.
Total, There are only three thermal power plants left on the peninsula that continue to operate on coalIt is expected that there will be none left in the near future, because a rapid transformation towards clean energy production is planned.
According to the same portal, the company EDP plans to radically convert the thermal power plants of Aboño, Soto de Ribera (both in Asturias) and Los Barrios (Cádiz) into green hydrogen plants.
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