ABONO 2 Coal Power Plant, Gijón, Asturias, Spain | 877.66 MW

ABONO 2 is a coal-fired power plant located in the Asturias region of northern Spain, near the city of Gijón. With a capacity of 877.66 MW, it is a large-scale facility within the Spanish power generation sector. The plant is owned and operated by HIDROELECTRICA DEL CANTABRICO S.A., a major energy company in the region. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the European Union, including the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) and Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions for large combustion plants. As a coal-fired facility, it is subject to strict emission limits for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. The technology is likely subcritical or supercritical, typical for plants of this era and capacity. ABONO 2 contributes to the stability of the Spanish electricity grid, particularly in the Asturias region, which has a history of coal mining and heavy industry. The plant's operational status and capacity make it a significant asset for base-load power generation, though it faces increasing regulatory pressure to reduce carbon emissions in line with EU climate targets.

The plant's coal fuel source results in significant CO2 emissions, as well as SOx and NOx, which contribute to local air quality concerns. Its location near the coast and urban areas like Gijón means emissions can affect populated regions. The facility's age and technology (likely subcritical) result in lower efficiency and higher emissions per MWh compared to modern combined-cycle gas turbines. Compliance with EU BAT standards requires continuous emission monitoring and abatement technologies.