The validity of the Action Framework for Coal Mining and Mining Regions 2013-2018 marked a critical point in the coal industry in Spain. This plan included the management of the orderly closure of the sector and established economic aid to mitigate the effects in mining regions. Since its implementation, there has been extensive discussion about whether coal mining has a future in the country's energy mix.
Context of the Framework for Action
El Framework for Action on Coal Mining It was part of a series of government attempts to ensure a fair transition for workers in the industry, while aligning with European Union environmental regulations. The plan included specific measures ranging from early retirement to paid redundancies, as well as the creation of a fund to reindustrialise mining regions.
With the end of the Framework in 2018, there was increased uncertainty for both workers and mining-dependent regions. Unions such as CCOO, UGT and USO demanded an extension or a new plan that would allow the industry to be preserved beyond that date.
Negotiations with the Ministry of Energy, represented by Daniel Navia, focused on the possible restructuring of the plan. The unions, however, showed strong resistance to a model that favoured the immediate closure of the mines without first ensuring effective reindustrialisation.
This scenario generated diverse opinions, both in the political and business sectors. While the Royal Decree on the closure of thermal power plants Although it was designed to promote the energy transition towards renewable energy, many saw this measure as detrimental to regions whose economic dynamism revolved around the coal sector.
Position of the unions
Trade unions, mainly UGT and CCOO, stressed the importance of preserving a portion of indigenous coal in the energy mix. According to their statements, an abrupt closure would mean the loss of thousands of jobs and an industrial fabric which could hardly be replaced in the short term.
La UGT argued that, "the commitment of the European Union and national governments should not focus only on closing mines, but on maintaining them while promoting the reindustrialization of mining regions."
For its part, CCOO defended the position that the National coal should continue to be part of the energy mix beyond 2018. Both organisations stressed the importance of resuming projects related to the capture and storage of CO2, one of the major objectives at European level to reduce polluting emissions.
Mechanisms for the continuity of the sector
The unions and the Ministry of Energy itself discussed the mechanisms that could be implemented to prolong the useful life of mines and thermal power plants dependent on national coal. Among the proposals, it was proposed to promote the inclusion of coal in the energy mix under "guaranteed supply" criteria.
One of the most notable proposals was to promote the development of CO2 capture and storage projects, which would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep coal as an environmentally viable option.
In addition, the reactivation of all mechanisms that could allow the continued use of domestic coal in thermal power plants was suggested, provided that they complied with the environmental regulations established by the European Union.
Decarbonization: the inevitable path
Despite union efforts to prolong the life of coal, the reality is that Decarbonisation is a common goal in energy policies at a global level. The European Commission, together with international organisations, has promoted the progressive reduction of the use of fossil fuels to comply with the agreements of the Paris Pact and limit global warming.
This has generated an intense debate around the measures to be taken to ensure a "Just Transition» that does not harm workers or communities dependent on coal. The Global Alliance to Eliminate Coal, as well as various NGOs such as Greenpeace, have constantly pushed for the closure of coal-fired power plants to be accelerated. In Spain, all coal-fired power plants are expected to be inactive by 2025.
Companies such as Endesa and Iberdrola have already begun to implement these closures. However, according to a report by CCOO, coal use once accounted for up to 60% of CO2 emissions in Spain, which has led to a strong focus on renewable energy to offset this dependency.
Just Transition Agreements
As part of the agreements to manage the closure of mines and thermal power plants, the so-called Just Transition AgreementsThese agreements are designed to mitigate the socio-economic impacts caused by decarbonisation, ensuring employment and encouraging investment in sustainable projects in the affected areas.
Endesa, Naturgy and Iberdrola have been some of the companies involved in these agreements, signed together with the government and the unions. These documents include commitments to: Maintain jobs, dismantle power plants and environmentally restore the environment of mines and plants.
One of the most talked about measures is the relocation of workers affected in related sectors such as renewable energy. These agreements also promote the creation of job opportunities in the regeneration of ecosystems and the installation of new energy infrastructures.
In fact, in some regions of Asturias and León, pilot projects for environmental restoration and clean energy generation have already been launched.
The closure of mines and the end of the use of coal in electricity generation is an unavoidable reality. However, the effort for a Just Transition and the protection of workers and affected communities mark a hopeful path. The key in the coming years will be to ensure the development of sustainable industrial projects that can replace lost jobs and positively transform the regions that depended on coal mining.