Teresa Ribera, the Vice President and Minister for Ecological Transition, together with Félix Bolaños, the Minister for the Presidency, Court Relations and Democratic Memory, participated this Thursday in high-level discussions with representatives from parliamentary groups and various institutions. The aim was to gather input for a forthcoming emergency action plan designed to shield Spain from the worst impacts of the energy crisis and to chart a responsible, practical course for the months ahead.
Sources indicate that attendees represented nearly all political parties in Parliament, with Vox reportedly absent at key moments. The conversations focused on concrete measures to stabilize electricity prices and ensure resilience across the energy system. A clear description of the current situation was provided, highlighting Spain’s determination to avoid the severe effects of the crisis experienced in other European countries, as conveyed by those present at the meeting.
According to executive briefings, although specific details were not publicly disclosed, the Spanish plan is expected to rest on three central pillars. The first pillar emphasizes energy savings and efficiency improvements to curb demand. The second outlines strategies to reduce dependence on natural gas or to replace it with alternative fuels. The third focuses on solidarity mechanisms among European Union member states to share resources and coordinate responses during periods of stress. It was noted that Spain has limited flexibility to extend the life of remaining coal plants, as many are already closed or scheduled for closure. Electricity operators and plant owners consent to these closures, even as the grid operator and energy authorities review every option. There was also mention of a possible delay in the closure of As Pontes in A Coruña if such a pause would meaningfully contribute to system reliability, a decision that would be taken with careful consideration by the competent authorities and in coordination with regional stakeholders.
The plan builds upon the Contingency Plan for the Spanish Gas System, which already anticipates action scenarios for severe gas supply disruptions. In those scenarios, the plan prioritizes protecting vulnerable domestic consumers and critical institutions such as hospitals, health centers, childcare facilities, and schools. It also contemplates maintaining essential services for public safety, including the fire department and police, and ensuring continuity for essential public transportation fleets powered by gas. Cultural institutions like museums and libraries would also receive appropriate safeguards to minimize disruption during supply interruptions.
Ribera and Bolaños indicated a follow-up meeting with political representatives once the European Commission unveiled its own contingency framework, which emphasizes conserving gas for a secure winter. They also signaled that a broader discussion would take place during the Energy Ministers meeting in Brussels scheduled for later in the month, where member states will compare plans and identify common ground for a coordinated EU response to the energy challenge.
In parallel, discussions continue about how to balance short-term relief with long-term energy security. The emphasis remains on improving efficiency at the consumer level, expanding the use of alternative fuels where feasible, accelerating energy modernization, and strengthening cross-border cooperation to weather future supply shocks. The overarching objective is to create a robust, practical pathway that preserves affordability for households and competitiveness for industries while maintaining a stable electricity system across both Spain and its European partners.