Last controlled demolition at the Litoral thermal power plant

• Following the demolition blast of the hopper building —a major technical challenge due to the peculiarity of its geometry— Endesa continues advancing in its commitment to the energy transition and decarbonisation. Moreover, it moves toward the completion of the plant’s dismantling process by 2026.
• As dismantling progresses, Endesa is also promoting new industrial projects designed to create future opportunities, attract investment, and boost the local economy.

 3, 2, 1… That was the final countdown before triggering the explosives at the Litoral thermal power plant. Since dismantling work began in late 2021, controlled blasting has been used as the safest and most efficient method to bring down the boilers, the denitrification unit, the chimney, and now the hopper building —an unusually shaped structure that stored coal.

Inside the hopper building were the funnel-shaped deposits that received coal from the plant’s storage yard and dosed it for the thermal generation units. Its 180-metre length —almost two football fields— 57-metre height —equivalent to a 19-story building— and narrow 21-metre width made the demolition of this all-metal structure, supported by 60 pillars, a new technical challenge.

For this reason, the demolition blast of this 12,200-tonne structure required 550 kg of dynamite distributed across 140 charges. The explosive charge was activated by 316 detonators connected through a single 100-metre cord. The structure collapsed cleanly to one side, but now the 7,500 tonnes of metal waste generated will be progressively removed, with more than 90% to be recovered and repurposed. This waste management effort aligns with Endesa’s commitment to a circular economy, which has enabled the company to achieve zero-waste status in dismantling processes —just as it did with the more than 100,000 tonnes managed by September.

One of the keys to achieving zero waste is the donation of components that can have a second life to public and private entities in Almería and across Spain. More than 6,000 items have already been donated, now enjoying a second life beyond what was their home for 40 years.

What remains now is the mechanical dismantling of the hopper building and the coal yard, along with the removal of smaller peripheral elements, surface breaking, and ground levelling so that new activities can be developed on these plots.

Specialised teams

The dismantling of the Litoral thermal power plant is being carried out by a team of professionals specialised in this type of work. Endesa has partnered with the joint venture UTE Lecalde, formed by local company Caldererías Indálicas and the Basque firm Lezama Demoliciones, an industrial dismantling specialist. At peak times, more than 180 people have been involved.

Endesa’s commitment to the plant’s surrounding area has ensured that over 70% of the 140 workers currently taking part in the dismantling are from former contractor companies or residents of Carboneras and nearby towns, helping stimulate the local economy.

To support local hiring, Endesa has organised four training courses on occupational risk prevention specifically for dismantling work, benefiting around 143 people. Additionally, the company has promoted six courses on the construction, operation, and maintenance of renewable energy facilities —a sector that continues to require specialised labour— training more than 160 local residents from Carboneras. These initiatives reinforce Endesa’s commitment to a just energy transition, fostering employment and sustainable opportunities, with the goal of launching new initiatives by 2026 in high-potential sectors.

Future plans

While dismantling continues —scheduled for completion in 2026— Endesa has been working on identifying new industrial opportunities for development on the plant’s grounds. In 2021, the company launched an international call for proposals.

As a result of this international project competition —evaluated and approved by the University of Almería, the Carboneras city council, the Regional Government of Andalusia, the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, and Endesa— several industrial projects were selected. These projects, currently undergoing development or administrative processing, could mobilise up to €600 million in investment and generate more than 200 direct jobs. This initiative strengthens the commitment to a just transition and sustainable development in the region.

One of these projects, already operational, is Algavillage, run by Biorizon —a cutting-edge microalgae production facility that originated as a pilot project at the plant and has since expanded in Carboneras.

Other advanced-stage projects include two aquaculture initiatives that could position Andalusia as an international benchmark in the sector. One is the CMX Litoral project, promoted by COOKE España, which will transform part of the plant’s facilities into an integrated aquaculture centre. This project aims to promote sustainable aquaculture, generate local employment, and stimulate the local economy through auxiliary activities.

Another advanced project is a hatchery for greater amberjack (Seriola larvae), developed by Ocean Aquaculture, a Dutch company specialising in global aquaculture projects. The hatchery will work in tandem with offshore platforms where the fish will be fattened and later commercialised. The project is in the final permitting stage and will be installed on part of the plant’s land.

Two additional initiatives are beginning the process of securing permits and approvals: renewable fuel production (essential for the energy transition and decarbonisation) and a desalination plant to support the sustainable industrial development planned for the area.

This economic activity will be supported by the rollout of new renewable energy projects in this just transition area, which will supply green energy to the new industries thanks to upcoming capacity auctions. 

These projects —along with others in the permitting phase— shape a new reality for Carboneras, built on institutional and social consensus. They represent Endesa’s legacy after 40 years of operations, marking the beginning of a just energy transition. A model that combines sustainable reindustrialisation, circular economy practices, and innovation to drive local employment and development. 

Plant data

The Litoral thermal power plant was built under the accelerated coal power plant plan drafted in 1979 to meet Spain’s growing electricity demand during a period of economic development. The facility occupied 1,788,547 m² in the municipality of Carboneras and consisted of two generation units totalling 1,159 MW. Each of these units was made up of a boiler, turbine, and generator as their essential components.

Over its operational life, the plant produced more than 180,000 GWh —equivalent to Andalusia’s energy consumption for four and a half years. Furthermore, it became a benchmark when environmental improvements carried out in 2014 placed it at the forefront of this technology worldwide.