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Compostilla II Chimneys Fall in Controlled Demolition, With Part of One Stack Left Standing

A section of one tower remains upright and will require follow-up work by the demolition team.

Overview

  • At 13:00 local time, explosives brought down the tolvas building and the two landmark stacks of the former Compostilla II plant, reshaping the Bierzo skyline.
  • Endesa reported using 1,074 kilos of explosives and said about 95% of the demolition material will be valorized, with specialist contractors Recifemetal and 4D executing the work.
  • Authorities enforced safety protocols that included evacuations, traffic diversions and a road closure announced by the Miño-Sil river basin authority.
  • The Ponferrada courts swiftly dismissed two last-minute complaints from the association Bierzo Ya, and the regional government said it lacked authority to halt a private demolition because the structures are not protected as BIC.
  • Residents and former workers voiced sadness at the end of an era as Vox leaders criticized the takedown, and Endesa said overall dismantling is over 90% complete with finishing targeted by late 2026.