After a marathon of negotiations that included no fewer than 47 meetings, Hunosa's management and the main unions have finally reached an agreement. This significant deal establishes the new Business Plan for the period 2025-2028 and dispels any doubts about the future of the state-owned coal company. guaranteeing a stable roadmap which extends to the distant year of 2050. What has been put on the table is a true metamorphosis to leave coal behind and definitively embrace clean energy and the management of the natural environment in Asturias.
The news has been a godsend in the mining regions, as for the first time in three decades there is talk of net job growth instead of the usual cuts. The document forecasts the incorporation of 160 workersThe funds, divided equally between the parent company and its subsidiary Sadim, represent a breath of fresh air for an area that has been suffering the consequences of industrial restructuring for far too long. With this step forward, the state-owned company seeks to consolidate its position as a key player in the decarbonization of the Spanish economy.
La Pereda and the commitment to biomass
The flagship project of this ambitious plan is undoubtedly the transformation of the La Pereda thermal power plant. With an investment of around 56 million euros, this facility will switch from burning coal to become a biomass plant state-of-the-art equipment. It's not just about changing the fuel, but about revitalizing the entire forestry sector in the region, taking advantage of the thousands of hectares of woodland owned by the company. Furthermore, to ensure nothing is lacking, another 5 million euros will be allocated to create a processing and chipping line that guarantees a constant supply of material.
This shift towards green doesn't stop there, as the plan also includes a €9 million allocation to expand district heating networks and other alternative energy projects. The aim is to leverage the water from the mines And the waste heat will be used to heat homes and public buildings, something already in operation in areas like Mieres and Langreo, and which will now receive a definitive boost. At first glance, it seems that Hunosa has decided to make the most of its underground legacy to generate value above ground.
New technology centers and energy parks
One of the most talked-about projects is the future energy park at the San Nicolás mine. There, with an estimated investment of 24 million euros, the plan is to install a pumped storage system utilizing the existing mining infrastructure, in addition to photovoltaic panels in the spoil heapsAlthough its full development is projected beyond 2028, the foundations will be laid in this period to convert the old mine into a giant renewable energy battery, demonstrating that ingenuity can give a second life to traditional mines.
Meanwhile, the Santiago mine in Aller will also be transformed into the headquarters of the National Rescue Center. This new facility, with a budget of 3 million euros, will house the iconic Mining Rescue Brigade and serve as... reference for training and emergencies at the state level. It is a way to value the knowledge accumulated over the years by the firefighters and ensure that this human heritage is not lost with the end of coal mining.
To complete the move, the subsidiary Sadim will change its status to become an "in-house provider" for public administrations. This means it will be able to receive direct contracts for environmental restoration and forest management tasks, allowing it to to give the high note in the creation of specialized employment. In addition to the 27 million earmarked to promote new businesses in the area, the goal is to generate up to 700 indirect jobs, ensuring that economic activity in the mining basins does not depend solely on a single sector and is diversified once and for all.
This historic agreement marks a turning point for Asturian industry, transforming a company traditionally linked to coal into a technological and sustainable powerhouse. The combination of significant public investment, a commitment to green hydrogen, and the utilization of critical resources in former spoil heaps is key to this success. ensures a horizon of prosperity for the coming decades. Now that the agreements are signed and the intentions are clear, it's time to get to work so that all these projects move from the drawing board to tangible realities that will revitalize valleys that have always been the energy heart of Spain.
