Soto de la Barca: the abandoned Asturian village

Soto de la Barca is a village located in Tineo, Asturias, nicknamed the 'Asturian Chernobyl' due to its gradual abandonment and industrial history. Founded in 1965, this place thrived thanks to the Narcea thermal power plant, which attracted workers and their families, reaching a population of 500 at its peak. However, after the plant's closure in 2020, the village lost its purpose and began to empty slowly.

## Why it matters This case highlights the impact that industrial closures can have on local communities. The story of Soto de la Barca reflects how dependence on a single source of employment can lead to desolation and raises questions about rehabilitation policies and support for affected areas.

## What we know In 2023, the Institute for Just Transition allocated 3.5 million euros for the rehabilitation of Soto de la Barca, intending to revive the village and its facilities. However, in 2025, the town hall returned these funds, suggesting that no concrete plans have been implemented to revitalize the area.

## What remains unclear It is still unclear why the funds intended for rehabilitation were returned and what plans, if any, exist for the future of Soto de la Barca. The lack of information regarding the management of these resources and the village's future raises doubts about the effectiveness of support measures for transitioning communities.