Today we are going to talk about the Compostilla thermal power plant, a type of power plant that uses fossil fuels, mainly coal. This plant is a conventional cycle thermoelectric facility. Throughout this article, we will explore its history, characteristics, the type of fuels it uses, and the renovations it has undergone over time.
La Compostilla II thermal power plant It is located in the province of León, near the Sil River, in the municipality of Cubillos del Sil. It was one of the most important power plants of its kind in Spain, but today its impact on the environment and its future in a world that tends towards sustainability are issues that we cannot ignore.
Key features
The Compostilla thermal power plant consists of a conventional cycle thermoelectric installation that uses carbon as its main source of fuel. The plant is located next to the Sil River, and the company that owns it is EndesaOriginally, the plant consisted of two large facilities: Compostilla I and Compostilla II.
Compost I It was opened in the 1950s in Ponferrada, being Endesa's first production plant. Due to the growth in energy demand in Spain, in the 60s it was necessary to build a second plant, Compost II, which began operating in 1972. At the time, it was the second most important thermal power plant in Spain in terms of energy production.
The plant has four thermal groups that together generate around 1300 megawatts. In addition, it has two Fireplaces The main structures are 270 and 290 metres high, and two cooling towers. These structures are key since a large part of the thermal process depends on an efficient cooling system, which in this case was complemented by the construction of the Bárcena reservoir on the course of the Sil River, to extract water for the cooling system.
Originally, the coal used in Compostilla II came from nearby basins such as El Bierzo and Laciana, but over time, demand led to the use of imported coal, as well as petroleum coke, which caused air pollution to increase in a worrying way.
Origin of fuels
The Compostilla power plant was highly dependent on national coal, especially in its first decades of operation. Approximately 70% of the coal consumed came from Spanish mines, particularly from the Coalfields Cantabrian Mining Reserve, which supplied it with about 2 million tons of coal per year. However, over time, foreign coal also gained importance in its operation, contributing to the level of air pollution.
One of the important innovations at the Compostilla power plant was the wet desulfurization of flue gases, implemented in groups 3, 4, and 5. This process helps reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), a polluting gas that is among the main causes of acid rain. Thanks to this technology, pollution was significantly reduced, allowing Endesa to comply with stricter environmental regulations.
The modernization of these processes was not enough to stop the decline of the plant. In 2008, Endesa announced that groups 1, 2 and 3 would be replaced by combined cycles of gas natural, a cleaner fossil fuel. These combined cycles allow the plant's power to be doubled, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite this, Compostilla remained the fifth most polluting thermal power plant in Spain due to its high production capacity and its dependence on coal.
Renewals and adaptation to new regulations
Over time, environmental and labour regulations at European and national level became more stringent, forcing the Compostilla plant to carry out substantial renovations to meet safety requirements and reduce its impact on the environment.
In 2012, Endesa launched a new fire-fighting system that, in addition to being more efficient, did not damage the ozone layer. These types of adaptations reflect a growing interest in reducing the negative environmental effects of the energy industries. In addition, combined cycles using natural gas have allowed their power to be increased with less CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, thus adapting to new environmental regulations.
Another interesting aspect occurred in the educational field. Endesa, through the Compostilla plant, carried out various environmental awareness initiatives and energy efficiency. This included educational programs aimed at both industrial zones and urban areas, with the aim of promoting lower energy consumption and more efficient use of available resources. These programs helped educate the population on how to reduce consumption at home, teaching simple methods to optimize energy use and reduce electricity bills. More than 241 families benefited from the programs, managing to reduce their bills by an average of 36%.
The closure and dismantling of Compostilla II
In the context of the growing need for decarbonisation and the transition to renewable energies, in 2018 Endesa announced the definitive closure of the Compostilla II thermal power plant. This decision is part of the European Union's environmental objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by XNUMX. 2050.
The dismantling process has been gradual and complex, involving various specialized companies. This dismantling not only seeks to reduce the environmental impact, but has also focused on value 85% of waste generated, a clear effort towards the circular economyThe plant's towers and chimneys have been demolished in phases, ensuring safety and minimising dust emissions and vibrations.
In addition, Endesa has prioritized the reindustrialization of the area, making the land of the plant available for new business projects. This reindustrialization process is being led in collaboration with the University of Leon and is expected to generate new jobs in the region.
The energy transition in Spain marks a turning point in the history of many power plants, such as Compostilla II. Its closure signals a step towards a more sustainable future that prioritises renewable energies over fossil fuels.