Currently, Galicia is the third autonomous region in Spain in terms of renewable energy capacity, generating around 17% of the country's renewable electricity. However, despite this leadership, nearly XNUMX% of the country's renewable electricity is generated. 31% of its energy production is based on coal, a figure that doubles the national average. This data reveals a paradox: Galicia is a reference in the use of clean energy sources, but it continues to depend on fossil fuels, which shows that it has not yet fully assumed the challenge of climate change.
The challenge not only involves increasing the production of renewable energy, but also drastically reduce dependence on fossil fuels, especially coal. The transition to clean energy requires not only technological but also firm political decisions and the commitment of the industries involved.
Strategy of the Xunta de Galicia
The Xunta de Galicia has stated on several occasions that its energy policy is clear: there is an increasing commitment to renewable energy to the detriment of fossil fuels. In the words of the Galician government, they are committed to the fight against climate change, focusing efforts on energies such as wind, solar and biomass.
In addition to focusing on green energy sources such as solar and wind, initiatives are being promoted to boost the biomass in the region. These measures also aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy efficiency.
Biomass Boost Strategy
La Biomass Boost Strategy The Galician government's strategy, which has a budget of 3,3 million euros, aims to reduce CO2 emissions and promote the use of biomass boilers in more than 200 public administrations, non-profit entities and companies in the region. It is estimated that the implementation of this strategy will allow an annual saving of 3,2 million euros in energy bills, as well as a reduction in diesel consumption by around 8 million litres. Thanks to this measure, it is expected that CO2 emissions will be reduced by 24.000 tonnes per year.
Biomass boilers
Biomass boilers are an ecological alternative to traditional gas and coal boilers, using natural fuels such as wood pellets, olive stones, nutshells or forest residues. These boilers not only heat homes, but also have the potential to reduce fossil fuel consumption and minimise energy dependence on coal in Galicia.
This strategy has an additional impact on the Sustainable management of Galician forests, improving efficiency in energy production and promoting the development of local industry.
Electrical X-ray of Galicia: The legacy of coal
Coal
Coal has historically been one of the main sources of electricity production in Galicia, with two thermal power plants: the one in Meirama (Gas Natural Fenosa) and that of As Pontes (Endesa). The latter, with a capacity of 1.400 MW, is the largest in Spain and has been essential in recent years for energy production in Galicia.
Although the rise of renewable energy has reduced the dependence on these plants, an anomalous meteorological phenomenon in 2015 caused Coal became the main source of energy again in Galicia that year. This increase was due to the lack of rain and wind, which affected hydroelectric and wind production, respectively.
Hydroelectric production and its decline
Electricity generation through hydropower experienced a collapse in 2015, due to low rainfall in Galicia, with a decrease of 36,4% compared to the previous year. This forced the community to compensate for this deficit with an increase in coal production, which in turn increased CO2 emissions.
Wind
Galicia has been a pioneer in the development of wind energy, and although in recent years growth has been modest, in the last energy auction, companies such as Gas Natural Fenosa y Norvento They have secured major projects that will guarantee an increase in wind capacity in the coming years.
Norvento, for example, has projected more than 300 MW of wind energy, which could significantly change Galicia's energy mix in the near future, further reducing dependence on coal.
The end of coal in Galicia: Energy transition
The closure of the coal-fired power plant As Pontes in 2024 marked a milestone in the energy history of Galicia. For almost 50 years, this plant was the main energy producer in the region, with a capacity of up to 1.400 MW. Its closure not only means the elimination of one of the largest sources of CO2 emissions in Galicia, but also a decisive step towards the energy transition.
This closure has been accompanied by investment plans in new renewable energies, such as offshore wind and the green hydrogen, with several projects under development aimed at taking advantage of the region's strong Atlantic winds and industrial capabilities.
However, the closure of this plant has brought with it the challenge of ensuring reindustrialisation and social support for the affected workforce, many of whom have been relocated to renewable projects. The economic and social impact has been minimised thanks to the strategic plans of the regional and state governments, which include investments in new renewable plants and hydrogen projects.
Future opportunities and challenges
The future of Galicia in terms of energy is promising, but it is not without challenges. The region has a Huge potential in offshore wind energy, with more than 12 projects in the environmental processing phase that would add up to 7.283 MW. However, the bureaucracy, pending rules and the lack of adequate evacuation infrastructure could slow this growth.
Despite these challenges, the commitment to clean energy is firm, and it is expected that in the coming decades, Galicia will achieve a Complete transition to 100% renewable energy, definitively abandoning the use of fossil fuels, as it has already done to a large extent with energy generated by coal.
This transition will not only contribute to the fight against climate change, but will also position Galicia as a leader in the production of clean energy in Spain and throughout Europe.