In Spain, energy demand is met in many ways. A significant percentage comes from fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, while another percentage is allocated to renewable energy sources. Electricity demand in Spain has fluctuated in recent years, but has generally stabilized. In this article, we will focus on coal-fired power plants in Spain and how they operate, which plays a significant role in meeting the national energy demand.
If you want to know how electricity demand is distributed in Spain and what role thermal power plants play, keep reading 
Electricity demand in Spain
Electricity demand in Spain has fluctuated, registering a notable decrease in 2014. To meet demand, various energy sectors contribute to supply, including nuclear power, which accounts for 22% of the country's total energy. Although nuclear power is highly controversial due to its potential dangers and waste, it remains a significant source of electricity.
Renewable energies, such as wind power , account for approximately 20,3% of electricity demand. As for coal, a fossil fuel highly controversial due to its large emissions, it covers 16,5% of energy production, 86% of which is produced by the 10 largest thermal power plants in Spain.
Meirama thermal power plant
Located in the parish of Meirama, A Coruña, the Meirama thermal power plant is a conventional cycle thermoelectric facility that has been operating since December 1980. Owned by Gas Natural Fenosa , it has a generating capacity of 563 MW , using coal as fuel. The plant is built on a lignite deposit, which once provided a local source of fuel for electricity generation.
The complex has a 200-metre-high gas evacuation chimney and was started with a budget of 60.000 billion pesetas. Initial lignite reserves were around 85 million tonnes.
Los Barrios Thermal Power Plant
Located in the municipality of Los Barrios, Cádiz, this power plant has a capacity of 589 MW . Originally operated by Sevillana de Electricidad and later by Endesa , it was acquired by E.ON in 2008. The plant uses bituminous coal as its fuel source, a type of coal with high calorific value and low sulfur content, which improves its efficiency and reduces its environmental impact.
Narcea thermal power plant
Located in the municipality of Narcea, Asturias, the Narcea thermal power plant comprises three thermal units with capacities of 55,5 MW, 166,6 MW, and 364,1 MW , for a total production capacity of 596 MW . It is currently owned by Gas Natural Fenosa and operates primarily using coal extracted from the Narcea River basin, which supplies the plant with local fuel reserves.
The coal comes from nearby mines located in Tineo, Cangas del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias in Asturias, as well as from the Villablino area of ​​León.
Soto de la Ribera thermal power station
Also located in Asturias, about 7 km from Oviedo, this power plant has two generating units with a combined capacity of 604 MW . It also incorporates two combined cycle units known as Soto 4 and Soto 5, which provide greater flexibility and efficiency in power generation.
La Robla thermal power station
This power plant, also owned by Gas Natural Fenosa , is located in the municipality of La Robla, León, in a strategic position next to the Bernesga River. With an installed capacity of 655 MW , it is fueled by coal from the nearby Santa LucÃa, Ciñera, and Matallana coalfields.
Coal arrives at the power plant both by road and via a conveyor belt, with a daily consumption of approximately 6.000 tons of coal.
Aboño Central
The Aboño thermal power plant is located between the municipalities of Gijón and Carreño, Asturias. With a capacity of 921 MW , the plant can use both domestic and imported coal, and also has access to steelmaking gases from the nearby Aceralia factory in Veriña, allowing it to reduce its coal consumption and improve its environmental efficiency.
Andorra thermal power station
Owned by Endesa , the Andorra thermal power plant in Teruel is one of the most powerful in Spain, with an installed capacity of 1.101 MW , divided into three generating units. It uses lignite with a low sulfur content ( 7% ) as fuel, which helps to reduce its polluting emissions.
This power plant stands out for its chimney, which at 343 meters is one of the tallest in Spain.
Littoral thermal power plant
Located in Carboneras , AlmerÃa, this Endesa-owned power plant is one of the largest in Andalusia, with a capacity of 1.158 MW distributed across two generating units. Despite its size, it holds ISO 14001 environmental management certification, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact.
Compostilla Central
The Compostilla thermal power plant is another of Endesa's large facilities, located next to the Bárcena reservoir. Its 1.200 MW capacity makes it one of the most powerful in Spain, guaranteeing a continuous energy supply in the region and beyond.
Puentes de GarcÃa RodrÃguez thermal power plant
The Puentes de GarcÃa RodrÃguez thermal power plant, known as the As Pontes plant, is the largest coal-fired power plant in Spain, with a capacity of 1.468 MW . Located in the municipality of As Pontes, in Galicia, this facility has four generating units and has been awarded ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management.
This plant represents a key component in the Spanish energy system, being the largest energy producer of all coal-fired power plants in the country.
Thermal power plants play a fundamental role in Spain's electricity supply, although the global trend is towards greater dependence on renewable energy. Despite their environmental impact, these plants continue to be essential for the country's energy mix, especially in cases of high demand or emergency.