The coal sector remains the most polluting fossil fuel in the energy mix. Its future, long a focus of climate policies, has shifted dramatically in Spain, where coal-fired power has nearly vanished from the grid and a modest footprint persists only in select facilities. The last coal-fired thermal plant to operate in Spain, As Pontes in A Coruña and owned by Endesa, confirmed its grid disconnection in recent days. In operation since 1976, the plant’s closure marks a symbolic milestone in the country’s decarbonization efforts, underscored by its historical status as one of the largest CO2 emitters in Spain and among the top emitters in Europe according to the European Commission report publicly released in 2019. The permanent shutdown is expected to ease annual atmospheric emissions notably.
This moment stands as a powerful signal for Spain’s energy transition. After the disconnection of Pontes, Endesa announced in November 2023 that it would stop power generation from coal at the facility, aligning with government approval to dismantle the site and redevelop the surrounding area for renewable energy projects in line with the nation’s policy blueprint.
At present, coal accounts for a marginal share of Spain’s power generation. Only about 2 gigawatts of coal remain connected to the national grid, a figure that reflects coal’s reduced role on the Iberian Peninsula and worldwide. Spain’s installed coal capacity places it well below its earlier standing, with a notable decline of more than 7,500 megawatts removed from the electricity system over the past four years, as reported by regional energy publications and energy authorities (El Periódico de la Energía).
Following As Pontes’ disconnection, EDP remains the only major operator using coal on the Iberian Peninsula, while Endesa still maintains a smaller 260 MW facility at Es Murterar on Mallorca. Overall, only three coal-fired plants remain active on the peninsula, and the trajectory is toward a full transition to cleaner energy sources in the near future.
Industry plans indicate a broad shift. EDP is pursuing a strategic conversion of its coal plants in Aboño, Soto de Ribera (Asturias), and Los Barrios (Cádiz) into green hydrogen facilities, reflecting a broader move toward zero-emission energy solutions (El Periódico de la Energía). These changes illustrate the ongoing realignment of Spain’s electricity system toward decarbonization, storage, and renewable generation.
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