Iberdrola Invests €100 Million to Upgrade Valencia’s Power Grid
Iberdrola has launched the ambitious il.lumina project in Valencia, committing €100 million to redesign and reinforce the electrical distribution network that was severely affected by the Dana storm on October 29th. This investment underscores Iberdrola’s dedication to bolstering infrastructure resilience and ensuring a more efficient power distribution system for the region.
A Comprehensive Investment Strategy
Mario Ruiz-Tagle, CEO of Iberdrola Spain, alongside Eva Mancera, CEO of i-DE, Iberdrola’s distribution company, detailed the scope of the investment plan and the significant measures already implemented. Ruiz-Tagle emphasized that despite the extraordinary difficulties presented by the storm, Iberdrola managed to restore nearly the entire electricity supply within 72 hours. He highlighted that moving forward, the company aims to establish an even more resilient and technologically advanced distribution network.
To execute this large-scale project efficiently, Iberdrola has formed a dedicated team of 35 professionals. These experts are managing five operational divisions, supported by seven specialized areas that oversee approximately 1,000 contractor workers. Notably, a majority of these workers will be sourced locally, fostering employment and economic growth within the region.
Additionally, by creating a department focused exclusively on this initiative, Iberdrola ensures that its ongoing investments in the Valencian Power Grid Community remain uninterrupted. This dual approach enables simultaneous progress in infrastructure recovery and future development.
Timeline and Project Implementation
Iberdrola commenced the il.lumina project in late 2024, focusing initially on restoring the 132-kilovolt (kV) high-voltage infrastructure in the Catadau and Carlet areas. The company has already procured all necessary materials for this phase, covering transformation centers, low and medium voltage networks, Power Grid and substations. The project’s execution is expected to reach 90% completion in 2025, with full completion slated for 2026.
This systematic approach ensures that the restoration process remains swift and efficient while integrating modern energy solutions to mitigate future risks.
Strengthening Resilience Against Future Disasters
Eva Mancera highlighted that Iberdrola’s swift response to the storm was facilitated by a combination of human expertise and advanced technological resources. The new power grid will be designed to be even more robust, capable of withstanding extreme weather events. The establishment of a specialized project team will allow Iberdrola to maintain its broader investments in Valencia while expediting recovery efforts.
The il.lumina project will incorporate various resilience-enhancing measures, including:
- Asset Redesign: Infrastructure components will undergo structural modifications to withstand severe weather conditions.
- Advanced Digitalization: The latest automation and monitoring technologies will be embedded into the network, improving service reliability for 650,000 customers.
- Intelligent Transformers: The introduction of i-trafo units will enhance power supply stability and efficiency.
- Underground Power Lines: Overhead lines will be buried where feasible to reduce vulnerability to storms.
- Elevated and Compact Transformer Substations: These adjustments will further safeguard key components from flooding and other environmental threats.
These proactive measures will ensure that Iberdrola’s Power Grid network remains adaptive and resilient, significantly reducing downtime and enhancing service reliability for Valencian residents.
Minimizing Disruptions During Restoration
Understanding the challenges associated with large-scale infrastructure projects, Iberdrola has implemented various strategies to minimize inconvenience to the affected municipalities. To mitigate disruptions, the company has introduced:
- Enhanced Communication: Improved notifications regarding scheduled power outages.
- Temporary Power Solutions: Installation of generators to sustain power supply in critical areas.
- Extended Work Hours: Night shifts and accelerated work schedules to expedite project completion.
Moreover, Iberdrola maintains its agreement with the Generalitat Valenciana, collaborating with the Department of Innovation and Industry. Through this partnership, the company supports the Valencian Power Grid Metallurgical Business Federation (FEMEVAL) by dispatching specialized electrical Power Grid teams to inspect and repair private residences and public buildings affected by the storm. These teams assist in verifying electrical panel safety, restoring municipal street lighting, and addressing other electricity-related issues.
Rapid Response and Crisis Management
The devastating Dana storm on October 29th left approximately 180,000 customers in the l’Horta Sud, Catadau-Carlet, and Requena-Utiel-Buñol areas without power. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Iberdrola swiftly mobilized a workforce of around 500 personnel, including employees from other regions of Spain. Their immediate response was instrumental in restoring services efficiently.
Within the first 24 hours, over 200 personnel, both in-field workers and control center operators, were deployed from outside Valencia Power Grid to reinforce local efforts. The Power Grid extreme weather conditions initially rendered some control centers incommunicado, posing additional challenges. Despite these obstacles, Iberdrola’s rapid action, including deploying over 120 temporary generators, enabled the company to:
- Restore 50% of affected power supply within 24 hours.
- Achieve 85% restoration within 48 hours.
- Fully reinstate nearly all services within just over 72 hours.
This swift recovery underscores the effectiveness of Iberdrola’s crisis management framework, its investment in advanced grid technologies, and its ability to mobilize resources rapidly.
A Future-Proof Energy Network for Valencia
The il.lumina project is a testament to Iberdrola’s commitment to delivering a more resilient and intelligent power grid in Valencia. By integrating cutting-edge digitalization, advanced resilience measures, and a dedicated workforce, the company is ensuring that the region is well-prepared for future challenges. This initiative not only strengthens Valencia’s energy infrastructure but also supports local employment and economic stability.
With this €100 million investment, Iberdrola is setting a new benchmark for infrastructure recovery and innovation, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable energy solutions. The il.lumina project will serve as a model for future grid modernization efforts, demonstrating how strategic planning, technology, and swift action can enhance power distribution networks in times of crisis and beyond.
