The Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge has taken a key step towards decarbonization and revitalization of areas affected by the closure of thermal power plants with the publication of order TED/1471/2024. This order regulates the public tender to allocate 354 MW of evacuation access capacity at the Narcea 400 kV hub, located in the southwest of Asturias.

The regulation, published on December 26, 2024, establishes a procedure based on competitive criteria prioritizing social and environmental benefits, in addition to technical aspects. According to the Ministry, the aim is not only to promote the installation of renewable capacity but also to generate employment and mitigate the socioeconomic impact of the closure of the Narcea thermal power plant. This includes projects in nearby municipalities, provided they do not exceed 20% of the area outside the affected zone.

The system operator has identified 354 MW of capacity at the Narcea 400 kV hub as available for renewable electricity generation, with an additional 154 MW at the Narcea 132 kV hub and 27 MW at the Vega de Rengos 50 kV hub. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as technological impact, socioeconomic factors, project maturity, and environmental sustainability. To avoid controversies, repeated proposals by different participants will not be valued.

Additionally, the rules highlight that only projects including renewable generation modules and strictly complying with technical and regulatory requirements will be accepted.

Social and Environmental Focus, Guarantees, and Transparency

A prominent feature of the tender is its strong social component. Among the commitments required from applicants are the creation of local employment and training for workers affected by the plant’s closure. Initiatives that promote energy self-consumption and the development of local infrastructure will also be valued. Some actors in the solar photovoltaic industry highlight that these criteria are a step forward towards a more inclusive and equitable energy transition model.

On the environmental front, projects must demonstrate technical viability and minimize impact on protected areas. For example, installations that include energy storage must meet strict standards, such as a minimum capacity of 2 hours.

To ensure the seriousness of the projects, awardees will be required to deposit an economic guarantee of 120 €/kW installed, which will cover the fulfillment of the commitments made. Moreover, the process will have a technical evaluation committee responsible for ensuring transparency and fair competition.

On the other hand, any capacity not awarded in the tender will be allocated based on the principle of temporal precedence, in accordance with the rules of Royal Decree 1183/2020, ensuring that no capacity remains unused.

Regional and National Impact

Order TED/1471/2024 is part of Spain’s and the European Union’s climate commitments, including the Just Transition Strategy and the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030. The revitalization of hubs like Narcea aims not only to accelerate the transition to clean energy but also to diversify the economy in regions dependent on coal.

With initiatives like this, Spain strengthens its position as a leader in renewable energy while addressing social and environmental challenges in an integrated manner.