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New Energy World
New Energy World embraces the whole energy industry as it connects and converges to address the decarbonisation challenge. It covers progress being made across the industry, from the dynamics under way to reduce emissions in oil and gas, through improvements to the efficiency of energy conversion and use, to cutting-edge initiatives in renewable and low carbon technologies.
Green transformation of Spain’s largest coal plant
4/10/2023
6 min read
Spanish utility Endesa has been closing Spain’s largest coal plant, As Pontes, gradually and is now transforming it towards emissions-free generation by 2040. Here, Miguel Asun, Head of Operations and Maintenance of Coal in Iberia, explains the transformation – including reusing the site for new renewable energy and industrial projects for Galicia.
Some 50 years since it was established, faced with severe carbon emission limits, the As Pontes coal-fired power plant is being closed down. But it is also being transformed, with a new focus on renewable energy and sustainable industrial development, which will contribute to the Galicia region and Spain’s net zero vision.
As Pontes coal-powered plant owner and operator Endesa received a request for the closure of the facility from the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) about four years ago, for completion by Autumn 2024.
In its preliminary energy and climate proposal submitted to the European Commission, Spain has signalled its intention to accelerate its exit from coal from 2030 to 2025, and to produce over 80% of its power from renewable sources by 2030.