Iberdrola: Leading Global Innovation in the Energy Sector for a Sustainable Future
For the third consecutive year, Iberdrola has been recognized as the world’s leading private utility in innovation and development investments. The acknowledgment comes from the European Commission’s 2024 Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard, which highlights Iberdrola’s substantial allocation of €384 million to research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) in 2023. This accomplishment underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to technological advancement as a cornerstone of its sustainability and global competitiveness.
The European Commission analyzed the 2,000 largest companies worldwide and the 800 most significant in Europe, placing Iberdrola at the forefront of private utilities for innovation. Under the leadership of Chairman Ignacio Galán, Iberdrola has positioned itself as a driver of the energy transition by prioritizing investments in clean, efficient, and cutting-edge technologies. The company’s long-term goal includes exceeding €4 billion in R&D&I investments by 2030, doubling its efforts in innovation over the next decade.
This focus on innovation aligns with Iberdrola’s strategic objectives: accelerating electrification, addressing the global climate crisis, enhancing energy security, and fostering sustainable job creation across its value chain. By emphasizing renewable energy, smart grids, digital transformation, and customer-focused solutions, Iberdrola is redefining the energy landscape for a sustainable future.
Innovation at the Core of Iberdrola’s Energy Transition Strategy
Iberdrola’s approach to innovation is deeply integrated into its mission to drive decarbonization and electrification. By incorporating advanced clean technologies, the company has established itself as a global leader in sustainable energy solutions. One of its flagship initiatives is the Global Smart Grids Innovation Hub, located in Bilbao, Spain. This hub serves as a collaborative platform that leverages the expertise of more than 100 partners, including suppliers, universities, technology centers, and startups.
The hub addresses the challenges of the energy transition by fostering collaboration and creativity. It acts as a magnet for strategic suppliers and international talent, enhancing the business ecosystem. By integrating digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) into its transmission and distribution infrastructures, ensures higher levels of energy security and supply quality. These advancements demonstrate the company’s commitment to creating a resilient and efficient energy network.
Leadership in Renewable Energy and Energy Storage
Pioneering Hydropower Storage with the Tâmega Gigabattery
Iberdrola’s leadership in renewable energy is reinforced by its investments in large-scale energy storage systems. One of its most significant achievements is the commissioning of the Tâmega gigabattery in Portugal. This project, one of Europe’s largest energy storage initiatives in the last 25 years, underscores Iberdrola’s commitment to leveraging pumped hydro technology. As the most mature and efficient system for large-scale energy storage, the Tâmega gigabattery plays a critical role in balancing renewable energy production and demand.
Advancing Offshore Wind Energy
Iberdrola has also made remarkable strides in offshore wind energy. With operational and advanced-construction assets in key markets such as the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, the company is unlocking the potential of offshore wind to meet global energy demands. By developing innovative technologies, Iberdrola is paving the way for wind farms in deeper and more remote offshore locations. These areas offer greater wind potential, making them ideal for harnessing renewable energy efficiently.
In addition to expanding its offshore wind portfolio, Iberdrola is exploring new technologies to enhance sustainability. This includes innovations in the recycling and recovery of wind turbine blade waste, ensuring that renewable energy systems remain environmentally friendly throughout their lifecycle. The company’s commitment to agrovoltaics, which integrates renewable energy generation with agricultural and livestock practices, further demonstrates its holistic approach to sustainability.
A Culture of Creativity and Collaboration
At the heart of Iberdrola’s innovation ecosystem is its Innovation and Training Campus in San Agustín del Guadalix, Madrid. Spanning 180,000 square meters, this state-of-the-art complex serves as the company’s global hub for knowledge sharing, innovation, and professional development. With nearly 13,000 individuals receiving training annually, the campus is a testament to Iberdrola’s dedication to fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration.
The campus supports the development of skills necessary for the energy transition and green economic recovery. By collaborating with technology centers and universities, equips both young and experienced professionals with the tools they need to thrive in future-focused industries. This emphasis on education and innovation positions as a leader in promoting employability and professional growth in the renewable energy sector.
Digital Transformation and Smart Grids
Digital transformation is a key pillar of Iberdrola’s strategy to enhance efficiency and sustainability. The company’s investments in smart grid technologies are revolutionizing energy distribution by incorporating IoT devices, AI, and big data analytics. These advancements enable real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, optimizing energy flow and reducing losses.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data
AI and big data are integral to Iberdrola’s operations, allowing the company to:
- Predict energy demand with high accuracy, ensuring optimal supply.
- Manage renewable energy intermittency effectively, improving grid stability.
- Enhance customer energy consumption patterns, contributing to energy savings.
By integrating these technologies, Iberdrola not only improves operational efficiency but also delivers tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers.
Expanding the Role of Green Hydroge
Green hydrogen is emerging as a transformative technology in the quest for decarbonization, and Iberdrola is at the forefront of its development. By producing hydrogen using renewable electricity, the company is addressing the energy demands of hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as heavy industry and transportation.
Strategic Partnerships for Green Hydrogen
Iberdrola’s collaboration with Fertiberia, a leading agricultural chemicals company, highlights its commitment to scaling green hydrogen production. Together, they aim to establish one of Europe’s largest green hydrogen production systems, enabling sustainable industrial processes. Additionally, is investing in projects across Europe to leverage hydrogen as a long-term energy storage solution, further integrating it into the energy ecosystem.
Commitment to a Circular Economy
Iberdrola recognizes the importance of adopting circular economy principles to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. The company is actively exploring technologies for recycling materials used in renewable energy infrastructure, such as wind turbine blades and solar panels. These initiatives ensure that renewable energy systems remain sustainable throughout their lifecycle.
Global Impact: Creating Sustainable Jobs and Economic Growth
Iberdrola’s R&D&I investments extend beyond technological innovation; they contribute to economic growth and job creation globally. By supporting thousands of jobs across its renewable energy projects, infrastructure development, and research initiatives, the company strengthens local economies and promotes sustainable development.
Supporting Local Supply Chains
Through partnerships with local suppliers, Iberdrola ensures that its investments benefit regional communities. This approach not only fosters economic resilience but also accelerates the adoption of sustainable practices across its supply chain.
Training and Employability
The Innovation and Training Campus plays a pivotal role in addressing skill gaps and promoting employability. By equipping professionals with expertise in emerging technologies, Iberdrola ensures a steady pipeline of talent to drive the energy transition forward.
Electrifying Transportation
As the transportation sector undergoes a profound transformation, Iberdrola is playing a leading role in electrifying mobility systems. The company’s efforts include:
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure: Iberdrola is building one of Europe’s largest EV charging networks, offering fast and ultra-fast charging solutions for highways and urban areas.
- Public Transport Electrification: By collaborating with municipalities, Iberdrola is facilitating the transition to electric buses and other zero-emission public transport options.
These initiatives align with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create sustainable transportation systems.
Vision for 2030 and Beyond
Looking ahead, Iberdrola’s vision for the future is centered on bold and transformative goals:
- Achieving Net Zero: Iberdrola aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, setting an ambitious example for the global utility sector.
- Expanding Global Presence: While Europe remains a core market, Iberdrola is actively expanding its renewable energy projects in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.
- Strengthening R&D&I Investments: With a target of exceeding €4 billion in R&D&I investments by 2030, Iberdrola is doubling down on its commitment to innovation.
