Unit 2 of the Aboño power plant in Asturias, Spain, has resumed operations after being converted from coal to natural gas. The conversion project was carried out by EDP and Corporación Masaveu over an 18-month period, including 16 weeks of on-site intervention. The unit is now supplying electricity to the grid, supporting heavy industry in the region.
The plant’s capacity now exceeds 500 MW, surpassing initial expectations. More than 600 workers and over 80 companies participated at peak construction. The overhaul included converting the boiler to burn both natural gas and blast furnace gases, as well as a general inspection and upgrade of all major systems.
The project also focused on environmental improvements. According to EDP and Corporación Masaveu, “Blast furnace gases will continue to be used for power generation – a clear example of EDP and Corporación Masaveu’s commitment to the circular economy, which already avoids the annual emission of one million tonnes of CO₂ into the atmosphere.”
Additional work included replacing 30 coal burners with new units capable of using natural gas and hydrogen. Blast furnace gas burners were adapted for the updated boiler configuration. In total, more than 3,000 welds were made on the boiler and about 15,000 across the project.
Emissions have been significantly reduced due to these changes. Particulate emissions are down nearly 100%, sulphur oxides by 90%, nitrogen oxides by 80%, and carbon dioxide emissions by an average of 30%.
“Risk prevention and worker safety were top priorities from day one, with strong engagement from teams and all companies involved. Over 800 safety inspections were carried out, a key factor in the project’s success in this area,” according to those responsible for the project.
Unit 2 marks its 40th anniversary in September 2025. Since it began operating in September 1985 until March this year when conversion started, it generated enough energy—131,625 GWh—to supply all households in Gijón for two-and-a-half centuries or all of Portugal for nearly three years.
The facility’s continued use of blast furnace gases reflects ongoing efforts toward sustainability within Spain’s energy sector.
