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. Electricity demand in Spain has experienced variations in recent years, but has generally stabilized. In this article, we will focus on the most recent energy sources. coal-fired power plants in Spain and how they work, which plays a relevant role in covering 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 shown fluctuations, registering a notable decline in 2014. To meet demand, several energy sectors contribute to supply, including nuclear energy, which represents the largest share of electricity. 22% of total energy of the country. Although nuclear power is controversial due to its potential dangers and waste, it remains a significant source of electricity.
Renewable energies, such as wind, represent approximately the 20,3% of electricity demand. As for coal, a fossil fuel of high environmental controversy due to its large amount of emissions, it covers the 16,5% of energy production, of which the 86% It 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 station It is a conventional cycle thermoelectric facility that has been operating since December 1980. Property of Gas Natural Fenosa, its electricity production capacity is 563 MW, using coal as fuel. This 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 plant has a capacity of 589 MW. Originally managed by Sevillana de Electricidad and later by Endesa, was acquired by E.ON in 2008. The plant uses hard coal as a fuel source, a type of coal with a 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 Asturias, the Narcea thermal power plant is made up of three thermal groups with capacities of 55,5 MW, 166,6 MW and 364,1 MW, which add up to a total production capacity of 596 MW. It belongs today to Gas Natural Fenosa and runs primarily on 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 plant has two generating units that achieve a combined capacity of 604 MWIn addition, it incorporates two combined cycle groups known as Soto 4 and Soto 5, which provide greater flexibility and efficiency when generating energy.
La Robla thermal power station
This 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, is supplied with coal from the nearby basins of Santa Lucía, Ciñera and Matallana.
Coal arrives at the 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 MWThe 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 coal use and improve its environmental efficiency.
Andorra thermal power station
Property of EndesaThe 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 generation groups. It uses lignite with a low sulfur content (7%) as fuel, which helps to reduce its polluting emissions.
This power station stands out for its chimney, which with 343 meters It is one of the highest in Spain.
Littoral thermal power plant
Located in Carboneras, Almería, this power plant owned by Endesa is one of the largest in Andalusia with a capacity of 1.158 MW, divided into two generating groups. Despite its size, it has ISO 14001 environmental management certification, which confirms its commitment to sustainability and reducing its impact on the environment.
Compostilla Central
The Compostilla thermal power plant is another of Endesa's large facilities, located next to the Bárcena reservoir. Its capacity 1.200 MW making it one of the most powerful in Spain, guaranteeing a continuous supply of energy in the region and beyond.
Puentes de García Rodríguez thermal power plant
The Puentes de García Rodríguez thermal power plant, known as the As Pontes power plant, is the one that generates the most energy in Spain through coal, with a capacity of 1.468 MWLocated in the municipality of As Pontes, in Galicia, this facility has four generating sets and has been recognized with 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.