Spain closes half of all its coal-fired power stations in one fell swoop

Spain closes half of all its coal-fired power stations in one fell swoop

The move comes a year-and-a-half after Spain closed all its coal mines, which it said were unable to survive without the state aid now banned by the European Union.

"Similarly, this week’s closure of seven of Spain’s coal-fired power stations comes as the electric companies deemed it did not make financial sense to adapt them to necessary European regulations."

"Further heralding the end of coal in Spain is the fact that four more coal-fired power stations have already filed for permission to shut down, amounting to another 3,092MW worth of coal-fired generation set to be eradicated."

"A combination of strict EU regulations, declining demand as renewables and natural gas see their own costs diminish, and increased investor unease at supporting fossil fuel companies have worked a more concise and speedy decline for coal in Spain."