The chimney at the Teruel thermoelectric plant in Andorra, a landmark of the town’s mining era, has been silenced for good. On Thursday, a controlled explosion brought down 265 pounds of dynamite, sending the towering structure crashing to the ground and leaving a crowd of Onlookers stunned by the end of a symbol of the industrial age in Aragon. The demolition sparked debate, as many residents and preservationists argued that the chimney constitutes part of the region’s architectural heritage and an emblem of the town’s historical prosperity.
Farewell to the Teruel chimney and the coal era
However, Endesa, the owner of the plant, which shut operations in June 2020, chose to remove the chimney for the third time. Standing at 343 meters, it was the tallest structure in Spain. The decision hinged on economic considerations: aside from around 300,000 euros annually needed for safety and emergency response, the plant faced maintenance costs of about 4 million euros, and sustaining certain jobs would demand investments of up to a million euros per decade.
In a news conference beside the rubble where the tower once stood, Endesa executive Ignacio Montaner explained that the chimney and the entire thermal facility are being prepared for a new chapter after decades of use. He noted that the project has been under careful review for years and emphasized that no alternative use had proven viable enough to justify the costs. “The chimney and the thermal plant are transitioning toward a different future,” Montaner stated, hinting at a renewed energy strategy for the site that aligns with broader shifts toward renewables.
20 million Compostilla II
The western flank of the northern region also saw its last coal stronghold lowered. A parallel discussion unfolded in the León territory, where the Compostilla II thermal power plant in Ponferrada faced a scheduled demolition of its cooling towers. Although Endesa owned the facility as well, its maintenance was projected to cost as much as 20 million euros, reinforcing the push toward decommissioning and redevelopment.
Across both regions, the industrial landscape is changing rapidly. Renewable energy parks are taking the place of traditional coal-fired plants, designed to deliver electricity while reducing environmental impact and supporting climate goals. Yet the shift is not without cost or memory. The demise of these heavy structures marks a turning point where communities must balance economic realities with the cultural and social benefits that once accompanied industry. The story of Teruel and Compostilla II mirrors a broader narrative: wealth and livelihoods built around energy production can outgrow their concrete shells, leaving behind both a legacy of progress and questions about identity, place, and the future.